Ham & Bean Soup

1 large baked ham bone

12 cups cold water

16 ounces of dried Northern Beans-but could any type of beans-prepared according to package

4 bay leaves

1-14 ounce can stewed tomatoes

2 beef bouillon cubes-I’ve used chicken cubes in past as well

1 cup diced celery (I also include celery leaves)

1 cup diced onions

2 cloves garlic

2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

Place ham bone in large stock pot with 12 cups cold water. Boil.

Add all other ingredients and simmer 2-4 hours, depending on tenderness desired in beans.

Remove bone. Cool. Cut meat from bone, dice and add to soup.
Enjoy with a freshly baked corn muffin and tossed green salad.