1. Pick over bans and rinse. Cover beans with water in a large kettle; bring to boiling; cover; cook 2 minutes; remove from heat; let stand 1 hour. Pour into an electric slow cooker.
2. Brown sausages in a small skillet; push to one side; saute onion and garlic in same pan until soft; stir in tomato, bay leaf, thyme, basil, orange strips, saltand pepper and instant beef broth; brint to boiling; stir into beans; cover.
3. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 5 hours or unti beans are tender.