If you forget to put the beans to soak the night before, you may use the method known as "power soak". Using the ratio 1 cup beans to 3 cups water, starting with cold water, bring the beans to a full boil, simmer 2 minutes, and kill the heat. Cover and let stand in the hot water for 1 to 2 hours. Then drain, and procede with cooking. Remember to go through the beans for dirt, debris and rocks. No matter how clean they look, I always find at least one pebble.