black bean helpful hints

not sure if this applies to ALL dried vs canned beans...but this is what I have found for black beans...

one 15 ounce can of beans = 1.5 cups of cooked beans (drained) = 1/4 pound dry beans (cooked)

1 pound of dry beans = 6 cups cooked beans (drained) = 4 cans (drained)

1.5 pounds dry beans = 9 cups cooked beans = 6 cans

also I PREFER to overnight soak my beans....but I rarely remember, so here are the directions for quick soak:
QUICK SOAK:
rinse and sort beans. to 1 lb of beans add 8 cups hot water. bring to a rapid boil and boil for 2 minutes. remove from heat. cover and let stand for 1 hour. drain soak water and rinse beans.

OVERNIGHT SOAK:
rinse and sort beans in a large pot. to 1 lb of beans add 8 cups cold water. let stand overnight or at least 6-8 hours.  Drain soak water and rinse beans. (it has been suggested that when overnight soaking the beans, add 1 tbsp of plain yogurt or 1 tbsp of lemon juice to the soak water will help break down the gas producing enzymes and make the beans easier to digest)

COOKING DIRECTIONS:
add 6 cups hot water to drained and rinsed beans.  Simmer gently with lid tilted until desired tnderness is reached, about 1 1/2-2 hours.