Butter Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 c. dry butter beans
• 1/2 c. ham chunks or hock
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 rib celery, diced
• 1/2 bay leaf
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes or 1 can chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 dried red hot pepper (optional)
• dash of black pepper