| 2 cups | Beans |
| 1 teaspoon | Garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves, |
| 2 slices | Raw bacon (optional) |
| 3 quarts | Water |
Put all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, turn down to medium heat. Cook 2 1/2 to 3 hours, adding water if needed.
Yes, there are a few tips to the trade, main two would be water and salt.
I have been to places even 10 miles from my house, where the water was so hard you could cook beans forever, and not get the results you want.
90% of the areas I'm sure the water would be fine if not, at least you will know the problem.
We do a lot of camping around the area lakes, you can find the water, even city water, just not suitable. The solution: Soft bottled water.
Salt! never add to beans until they are completely cooked: Salt to taste or 1 teaspoon per cup of beans just a few minutes before turning off the fire.
My wife will soak the beans in cold water for 5 or 6 hours, even over night would be ok, cuts down on cooking time. Rinse, then cook. It does make a difference for a bowl of beans for dinner. For refried beans. No its not necessary.