Beans

Pick through bag to check for rocks. Put beans in a pan or bowl with double the water, cover, and let sit overnight.
Drain and rinse.

Put back in a pan or a crock pot with at least 6 cups of liquid, and cook on high or at a low boil until they are just soft. 1-6 hours depending on the type, how long they soaked, and whether you cook them on the stove top or in a crock pot.
Keep a measuring cup of water nearby to add if needed while they cook.

Once softened, follow your recipe.

You can prepare the beans ahead, then put them in a jar with enough water to cover, in the fridge until ready to use.

Quick soak:
Put your beans in a pot with twice the water and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for about 5 minutes, then cover, turn off the heat, and let sit for at least one hour.

Drain, rinse, and cook as above. It may take longer for your beans to soften than if they did an overnight soak, depending on bean type.