Select the cell or range of cells you want to format. Click Home > Format Cells dialog launcher, or press Ctrl+Shift+F. On the Fill tab, under Background Color, pick the color you want. To use a pattern with two colors, pick a color in the Pattern Color box, and then pick a pattern in the Pattern Style box. To use a pattern with special effects, click Fill Effects, and then pick the options you want.
Either (a) long-soak the dried kidney beans overnight covered with water, OR (b) quick-soak by covering them with water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, boil 2 minutes and let stand for an hour. However the beans were soaked, drain and discard the soaking water. Put in a pot, cover with fresh water, boil 30 minutes.
Place the lid on the pot and cook the beans until they're tender -- typically between 90 minutes and 2 hours. Check the beans occasionally and add more water if necessary. The water should remain slightly above the level of the beans. Drain any remaining water and use the beans in soups, casseroles or sauces.