Bean Soup

Step 1

Place rinsed beans into a large stock pot. Add water and bring to a boil. Boil gently for 2 minutes; remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour.

Step 2

Add ham bone, cubed ham, onion, salt, pepper and bay leaves. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until beans are soft. Occasionally skim surface of soup while it is cooking.

Step 3

Add carrots and celery, cook until tender. Remove ham bone, scrape any meat from bone and place back into soup and serve.