Soak beans over night. Please, do not skip this step. It's important if you want beans instead of pebbles.

Cook beans as package directs, save water from cooking.  Place beans in crock pot, add other ingredients plus

liquid (just to cover), you saved from cooking,  Cook on low setting for 4 to 6 hours, then add a little extra water, uncover  to allow beans to thicken and cook for another 1/2 hour.

Please keep in mind, you will need to check the beans now and again for tenderness.  As I discovered, beans are not created equal, neither are crock pots.

The salt pork may be omitted.  However I can't tell you what it would do to the flavor, I've always included the salt pork.

Enjoy!