Paula: I do my dried beans the easy way! I sort 2 cups of dry beans and discard any bad ones. I then wash them about 3 times. Then, I put them in my crockpot, add enough water to cover and soak them overnight with the lid on. ( I never have any soak water left over. The beans absorb the water.) The next morning, I add about 2 or 3 cups of water (I stir the beans to be sure none will stick to my pot), 4 chicken bouillon cubes and about a tablespoon of margarine. I also add a packet of "Goya Ham Flavored Concentrate", turn them on high; cover and let cook almost all day. This would serve about 6 people. Everyone says my beans are delicious. Good luck! Linda