beans

just a note on how to prepare dried beans for cooking....

I used to soak them overnight to get them softened up for cooking. I accidentally discovered an easier and faster way a few years ago.

Pour boiling water over the beans (or else cover the beans with water and heat in the microwave oven for a couple of minutes). Let the beans soak for an hour (or more, depending on the hardness, mineral content, of the water). Then they're ready to cook.