Dried Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. dried navy, kidney, lima or marrow beans
• 1 small piece ham, ham bone or 1/8 lb. salt pork
• 4 c. boiling water
• 3 peppercorns
• 1/2 bay leaf
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 diced carrot
• 3 ribs celery with leaves, chopped
• 1/2 sliced onion
• 1/2 c. chopped sorrel (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1/8 tsp. saffron (optional)
• 1/2 c. freshly cooked, mashed potatoes (optional)