Shaker Bean Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Sort and rinse beans.
2. 2
   Place in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; cover with water and bring to a boil.
3. 3
   Boil 2 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove from heat and let stand 1 hour.
5. 5
   Drain beans and discard liquid.
6. 6
   In the same kettle, place ham bone or hocks, 3 quarts of water and beans. Bring to a boil.
7. 7
   Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 1 1/2 hours or until meat easily falls from the bone.
8. 8
   Remove bones from broth, trim off the meat and discard bones.
9. 9
   Add ham, onion, celery, carrots, salt, pepper and thyme.
10. 10
    Simmer, covered, 1 hour or until beans are tender.
11. 11
    Add tomatoes and brown sugar.
12. 12
    Cook for 10 minutes.
13. 13
    Just before serving, add spinach.