Black Valentines are an oval-shaped black bean that really seems more like a cross between a kidney and a black bean. Raw, they have a beautiful matte finish that makes them look more like rocks than beans. I think they work great in bean chilis. I had more on hand than I needed so my first thought was to make them refried beans. I sauteed about half of a chopped red onion in some lard until the onion pieces were very soft. I then dabbed a little of the lard behind each ear as an irresistible perfume. Well, I wanted to, anyway. I added the beans and a wee bit of water and once they were all heated up, I started mashing them with my favorite bean masher. Breakfast was a smear of the refried beans with some cheese, avocado chunks and Huichol hot sauce.