Bean & Ham Soup



1 lb. white beans
Water
1/2 tsp. soda

1 ham bone
1 bay leaf
2 chicken bouillon cubes
Water

1 medium onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced -I use my garlic press
2 stalks celery, minced
1 qt. marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
2 C. chopped ham
Salt
Pepper
Onion powder
Mrs. Dash
Garlic powder

Soak the beans overnight in water. Drain, pour them into a kettle and add the soda. Bring to a boil and turn the burner down before they beans boil merrily and violently over the entire stove. Boil for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse until the water runs clear. In a large kettle, crockpot or bean pot, put the ham bone, bay leaf, bouillon cubes, beans & enough water to cover the beans. Bake at 375 degrees for 2 hours. Remove the ham bone and let it cool slightly before removing the meat. When cool enough to touch without dancing a jig in the kitchen, remove the meat and add enough leftover ham to make about 2 cups. To the beans, add the onion, garlic, celery, whatever tomato business you're using, ham and seasonings to taste. Bake for another hour and serve. My kids loved it! :) P.S. I forgot to take a picture of my bowl of soup. It were perty. SIGH.