blake murphy wrote:

> i don't know why people object to the pre-soak. you do have to plan one
> day ahead, but there's no more work involved, and actual cooking time is
> reduced by an hour or more.

Actually, the quick soak method is to put enough water to cover the
beans by a couple of inches, bring the water to a boil for 10-15 minutes
and let them sit for an hour. Then rinse and re-add water and get those
babies simmering! No need for a day of pre-planning.

Perfect beans every time!

Does anyone like adding things like baking soda, Sprite, or Beano to
de-gas them? I don't bother with such things now -- but I have tried the
baking soda and Sprite before. I didn't notice much difference in the
taste after a long simmer, and I'm not one of those people bothered by
gas, but those I served it to said they noticed a difference in their,
uh, emissions.

--Lin