rehydrating dried white beans

recommended white bean brands: cannellini or lima

ingredients:
1/2 lb dried beans

pour beans on white plate, pick out stones

soak in refrigerator at least four hours or overnight

bay leaf
4 whole garlic cloves 
7 c water (try using some chicken broth?)
1 1/2 tsp table salt

bring beans, bay leaf, garlic, and water to simmer in large saucepan. 

simmer, partially covered, until beans are just tender, 30 to 40 minutes. 

remove from heat, stir in salt, cover, and let beans stand until completely tender, about 15 minutes.

drain, reserve cooking liquid, and discard bay leaf and garlic. (Beans in liquid can be cooled, covered, and refrigerated up to 5 days.)

recipes seem to use 1 c of the reserved liquid in the recipe.

Related recipes:
Quick Cooked Greens with White Beans and Rosemary: http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/detail.asp?docid=5558
Spinach with Pancetta, White Beans, and Balsamic Vinegar: http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/detail.asp?docid=5132