If I were a new cook - it would be nice to know what 1/2 bag Northern beans really means....how big is the bag? why couldn't it just say 2 cups? I won't use this recipe because it is not specific enough

It calls for a half pound, not a half bag.

Just to clear things up; it says a HALF POUND (1/2 lb.), not a half bag. I think the recipe is written out just fine.

"If I were a new cook - it would be nice to know what 1/2 bag Northern beans really means...."

Slow Down Girl!! She says it's a half a pound of beans, NOT a half a bag. You probably miss out on a lot of good recipes for being a speed reader! Don't let life pass you by! Slow Down and enjoy it.

I remember when I was a new cook over 50 years ago. I was a nervous wreck and although I did not speed read I am sure I misread many an item or two. I would like to know however what someone's opinion is of "cook on low all day". "All day" is not going to be of use to very many people, experienced or not. Most of us get asked "When will dinner be ready". It is nice to have an answer! I am trying this recipe right now and I have it on high and hope it will be ready in 5-6 hours.

"All Day" means all the time you have that Sunday. Cooking is not always specific. Same goes for 1/2 bag. Most beans from an ordinary supermarket come in 1 lb bags.

It is not necessary to soak the beans first! You can just put everything in the crockpot the night before, including the dry beans and enough liquid to cover well. Leave it on low all night. In the am pull out some beans, mash and add back in. The plus is, for some reason, this method produces a soup that does not cause nearly as much gastric distress as bean soups can do.

good one dusty!!!!!

Since this is a recipe for a crock pot, "all day on low" would be 8-10 hours. Read the instruction manual on how to operate your pot...it gives cook time advice also.

Instead of tomato sauce I used chicken broth and V8 juice for the broth and the flavor was excellent!

I just wanted to thank Barb from Minnesota for sharing that you didn't have to soak the beans overnight! I have the ingredients in the crockpot, and hope it turns out. Looking forward to the smell of bean soup in the morning, Lord willing!

Can I use chicken broth instead of water?