COOKING DIRECTIONS - ADD 7 1/2 CUPS OF HOT WATER TO DRAINED AND RINSED BEANS. SIMMER GENTLY WITH LID TILTED UNTIL DESIRED TENDERNESS IS REACHED, ABOUT 1 1/2 TO 2 HOURS. ADD CONTENTS OF SPICE PACKET APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE BEANS HAVE FINISHED COOKING.
QUICK SOAK - RINSE AND SORT BEANS IN A LARGE POT. TO 20 OZ. OF BEANS (ABOUT 2 1/2 CUPS) ADD 8-10 CUPS HOT WATER. BRING TO RAPID BOIL FOR 2 MINUTES. REMOVE FROM HEAT. COVER AND LET STAND 1 HOUR. DRAIN SOAK WATER AND RINSE BEANS.
OVERNIGHT SOAK - RINSE AND SORT BEANS IN A LARGE POT. TO 20 OZ. OF BEANS (ABOUT 2 1/2 CUPS) ADD 8-10 CUPS COLD WATER. LET STAND OVERNIGHT OR AT LEAST 6 TO 8 HOURS. DRAIN SOAK WATER AND RINSE BEANS.