I haven't read the whole thread. Here are my comments anyway. When
slow simmering hard-to-soften beans, you will sometimes need to add
water. Boil the water in the tea kettle, then add and stir. Saves a
bunch of time. Also, every 30 minutes or so, raise the heat, and stir
like crazy the whole time you bring the pot of beans to a boil. Then
lower the heat again. You can cook them faster without scorching the
pan or paying such strict attention.


--Lia