Oh thanks, but mt Mom always did soak them and I just felt like it for the heck of it, soooo....just trying it to see the difference if any! I'd be just as happy opening a can of pintos and making a quick batch of cornbread, very happy girl for that too, but of course I've got to jazz it up and and see what I can come up with a pot from scratch! Soupadupacook

Thanks so much. Liked that you took some time to really explain. I will try to make mine meatless though. I will soak my pintos tonight in fridge with herbs from my garden and a some you mentioned and a cajun spice pack, all together in cold water to see if the flavor will absorb like you said.
I will cook them slowly in afternoon tomm., and will add to that heaping pot of Pintos some rosemary-jalapeno cornbread to go with.
Maybe sneak a tsp. of bacon fat in there if I really must! Time and tastings will tell!
THX! Soupa Dupa

YUM YUM!