Expert: Suzette - 4/10/2002

Question
I have tried three times with three different recipes to make baked beans from scratch.  twice in a slow cooker and this last time in the oven.  I have follwed the recipes to a tee and each time they come out hard. What am I doing or not doing.  I have hard water with a softener and am wondering if this may contribute to my problem.  I pride myself on being a good cook, and it frustrates me that I can't get this one right.  Help.  What might be my problem?

Answer
Hi Jean!

You might want to try gently boiling the beans instead of soaking, just until the skins start to burst (about 45 minutes). It might be the type of beans you are using. Try using different types - you can choose from pea beans, navy beans, butter beans, or any other small white bean.

Your water softner should actually benefit the beans. Another thing you can try is to add some baking soda to the water you are soaking the beans in.

Good luck,

Suzette