To soak or not to soak is up there with Mac or PC and Republican or Democrat. On some level, who cares? And yet these conversations stir a lot of souls.

Here's a common inquiry: "I have a question. If I soak my beans, but then cannot use them right away, what are my options for storing them and for how long? Do I need to cook them before storing? Can they be refrigerated, freezed or put in the pantry?

I"ve never had this happen so I don't ever know what to say! I only soak when I know I can cook and if I haven't soaked, I just start cooking them. Do you have any advice for our soaking friend?