Mix dried beans:

1 lb. lima beans
1 lb. pinto beans
1 lb. great northern beans
1 lb. kidney beans
1 lb. split peas
1 lb. navy beans
1 lb. black beans
1 lb. garbanzos
1 lb. red beans
1 lb. barley
1 lb. lentils
1 lb. blackeye peas

Wash and soak 2 cups mixed dried beans. Drain and add:

1 lb. ham, diced in sm. pieces
2 tbsp. salt
3 or 4 stalks celery, chopped
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. fresh parsley
Water to cover

Simmer 2 1/2 to 3 hours, adding water as needed. Add:

1 can undrained tomatoes (Rotel) OR Picante sauce
1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up
2 med. onions, chopped
2 garlic pods, chopped
6 stalks celery, chopped
7 celery leaves, chopped
1/4 tsp. red pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook uncovered 1 1/2 hours to creamy stage. Add:

2 chicken breast quarters OR 1/2 chicken, skinned

Cook until chicken is tender. Remove bones and cut meat into small pieces. Parbroil separately 1 pound smoked sausage. Slice thin and pour off excess fat. Mix all together. Add a handful of chopped parsley before serving. Makes over a gallon of soup. Freezes well.