Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for 90 minutes, uncovered, stirring every 20 minutes or so.

Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, uncovered, for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.

Reduce heat to low. Using an emersion stick blender or a potato masher (my preference), mash up the cooked beans while they're still in the cooking pot. Might seem like there's too much broth yet, but the beans will absorb more as they're mashed, plus you can cook them down further, if necessary, after mashing. Don't try to mash/blend them perfectly smooth; they're best a bit "lumpy".

Stir in the 10 ounces of extra-sharp cheddar cheese. Taste for seasoning. If you think it needs salt, pepper or garlic powder, stir that in now. If the consistency is not as thick as you like, continue cooking over medium heat, uncovered, stirring, until they reach your desired consistency.

Stir in the diced jalapeño peppers, to taste. I love the flavor, and I also add a bit of the liquid from the jar of jalapeño peppers. Start off with a little bit, stir, taste, and adjust to your preference.

A WORD OF WARNING: All jarred jalapeño pepper slices aren't the same! I used to think they were, until a recent rushed trip to the supermarket taught me otherwise. They were out of the store brand I usually buy, so I grabbed the brand that was there (see photo). Diced a few and stirred them into my beans, along with some of the liquid from the jar, then tasted them for seasoning.

To my horror, they were sweet! I grabbed the jar of peppers and read the ingredients list. Second, right after jalapeños, was high fructose corn syrup! I kid you not! Nasty tasting! DO NOT use these when making this recipe!! Sugar/corn syrup and jalapeños do NOT taste good together!