1 lb. beans, mix or match
3 tbsp. baking soda
Ham bones, left over lean ham and or ham hocks
2 or 3 carrots
2 med. onions
1 sm. can tomatoes, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Night before, wash beans, add water, about 2 inches above beans, add baking soda and soak overnight. Next day - drain beans cover with fresh water, add left over ham (any kind) ham bones or ham hocks, add onions, carrots (sliced) and tomatoes - simmer about 3 hours. Remove bones and any fat that you can. I usually cut away all fat before adding ham to soup. Add salt and pepper and simmer an additional 1/2 hour.