Bean Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Pick over beans; rinse under running water.
2. 2
   Combine beans and water in a large kettle.
3. 3
   Bring to boiling; cover.
4. 4
   Boil 2 minutes; remove from heat and let stand 1 hour.
5. 5
   Return to heat; add ham hock and bring to boiling, cover kettle.
6. 6
   Lower heat; simmer 2 hours or until beans are just tender.
7. 7
   Add celery, onion, carrot, potato, bay leaf, salt and pepper.
8. 8
   Cook 1 hour longer or until beans are very tender.
9. 9
   Remove bay leaf; trim fat and bone from ham hock; return meat to kettle.