SC - Lamb recipe and vegetable stew recipe request

[Decker, Terry D.]

I've had this problem with dried legumes which have been stored for extended
periods and have not discovered a satisfactory answer.  It may be they need
to be soaked longer or be cooked for an extended period or both.  I have not
had the problem with dried legumes purchased shortly before use from my
local health food store which sells them in bulk and has a high turnover.

Bear

> I used dried chickpeas at a feast I did a couple years ago.  
> They never
> completely softened up and I soaked them overnight and then 
> cooked them for
> several hours.  I've been reluctant to use them ever since.
> 
> Mercedes