Step 1

Sort through the dry beans and discard any bad beans or rocks you may find. Place in water and soak overnight with 2 teaspoons of baking soda.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the beans well.

Step 3

Chop the onions, carrots, and celery. I like to use some of the celery leaves in mine.

Step 4

Place cut vegetables in a Crock Pot with the beans. Add a meaty ham bone that was left over from a previous dinner and extra chopped-up ham meat if you want more meat.

Step 5

Add the leftover juice and some of the fat from the cooked ham, it will be jelled once it's cold.

Step 6

Add the water and the remaining spices.

Step 7

Cover and let cook for at least 6 hours. Remove the ham bone and remove the ham off the bone and return the meat to the soup; I like to mash some of the beans at this time. Cook for 2 more hours. I like to serve my soup with some good ole corn bread... yummy... enjoy!