I made up a batch of great northern beans a month or two ago. I soaked them overnight, and cooked them practically all day, but they were chewy. Did I overcook them somehow, or are they just old? I have another few pounds from the same bag--I bought five pounds....Are they garbage???

I'm not an expert, but you do not need to cook them all day! Do an overnight soak, then cook (at a simmer) for about 2 hours until they're tender.

I would guess old. It is the number one reason beans come out yucky. If you bought them in the supermarket, they were probably old, because people who shop in the supermarket don't often buy dry beans. Sad but true.

I should have explained, I cooked them for two hours, but they still were chewy, so I kept cooking them.