Wyoming Unite!!!!

[Blooie]

I've never had an issue....be interested to read the experiences of others...

 

[R2elk]

Anyone here with some cooking experience? Ran into an issue cooking dried beans and since I've made this recipe before without trouble, figure it must be an altitude-related thing.

I soaked a dried bean mix in water for 12 hours. Then put them in a crockpot with some ham and cooked it on high for 8 hours.

When we had dinner last night, the beans weren't totally hard but they sure weren't soft either. I turned the crockpot down to "keep warm" over night and this morning they are finally fully cooked.

What's the trick to cooking with dried beans? Is a pressure cooker required?

Thanks!

I just use a Slo-cooker. Soak the beans in plain water for at least 8 hours. Cook the beans before adding salt or anything else. I cook them on medium for about 4 hours before adding salt or any other ingredients. Adding salt before cooking the beans can make them take longer to cook. Some people prefer their beans to not be cooked until soft. One thing to remember about cooking at high elevation versus low elevation is that water boils at a lower temperature here than at sea level. Sea level water boils at 212°F while where I live it boils at approximately 202°F.

You may find this link interesting.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/shared/PDF/High_Altitude_Cooking_and_Food_Safety.pdf

 

[N F C]

Thanks for the replies. I soaked them plenty but maybe not cooking them before adding the onion, ham and garlic was the problem. Guess it could have slowed cooking the beans.

I've noticed the lower boiling point before because of the water boiler we keep on the counter, it reaches boiling here at 202*.

Thanks for the link Bob, I'll check it out.

 

[red horse ranch]

Anyone here with some cooking experience? Ran into an issue cooking dried beans and since I've made this recipe before without trouble, figure it must be an altitude-related thing.

I soaked a dried bean mix in water for 12 hours. Then put them in a crockpot with some ham and cooked it on high for 8 hours.

When we had dinner last night, the beans weren't totally hard but they sure weren't soft either. I turned the crockpot down to "keep warm" over night and this morning they are finally fully cooked.

What's the trick to cooking with dried beans? Is a pressure cooker required?

Thanks!

No pressure cooker required! Altitude shouldn't have been a problem even tho water does boil at a lower temp in these altitudes.
We just finished off a pot of bean soup for lunch today. It's one of our favorite meals. There are a lot of different ways to accomplish the same thing but here is how my mom taught me.
I put the dried beans in my cast iron cooking pot, rinse the beans and cover with water and a lid. A spoonful of baking soda in the soaking water will help with the flatulence problem. Bring to a boil and shut off the heat. Let set an hour or so and then drain the water off. Add fresh water, seasonings and ham. Bring to a boil again and reduce heat. Cook over medium low heat 4 to 6 hours.
I also add diced carrots, celery and potatoes to make a really hearty soup.
This has always worked for me but I'm sure you will get a lot of advice on this question since different cooks have their own favorite way of making bean soup.

 

[N F C]

No pressure cooker required! Altitude shouldn't have been a problem even tho water does boil at a lower temp in these altitudes.
We just finished off a pot of bean soup for lunch today. It's one of our favorite meals. There are a lot of different ways to accomplish the same thing but here is how my mom taught me.
I put the dried beans in my cast iron cooking pot, rinse the beans and cover with water and a lid. A spoonful of baking soda in the soaking water will help with the flatulence problem. Bring to a boil and shut off the heat. Let set an hour or so and then drain the water off. Add fresh water, seasonings and ham. Bring to a boil again and reduce heat. Cook over medium low heat 4 to 6 hours.
I also add diced carrots, celery and potatoes to make a really hearty soup.
This has always worked for me but I'm sure you will get a lot of advice on this question since different cooks have their own favorite way of making bean soup.

Thanks for the tips and nice to 'meet' you!

We moved here in the spring and I'm still learning my way around the change from FL to WY but enjoying it.

 

[red horse ranch]

We were are also transplants to Wyoming from the Midwest. After over 20 years here I can't imagine wanting to live anywhere else. Glad you made it out here!

 

[N F C]

We were are also transplants to Wyoming from the Midwest. After over 20 years here I can't imagine wanting to live anywhere else. Glad you made it out here!

We're glad to be here, we've really enjoyed it. A lot of people warned us about the winters but I grew up in KS and DH in CT, so I think we'll be just fine. Of course, ask me around March, lol.

 

[red horse ranch]

To quote a line from Hank Williams Jr song

A shotgun, a rifle and a 4 wheel drive
Country folks can survive!

 

[N F C]

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Our weather report is saying zero chance of snow today...guess they didn't look outside because it's a blowing and coming down fast!

Have a good one

 

[red horse ranch]

Gloomy, cold and VERY windy in Buffalo. But the turkey is in the oven and all the kids and grandkids are here. Makes for a wonderful Thanksgiving day.
I hope all my Wyoming friends have a wonderful day too!!!!!!!!