2 c. navy beans, dried
2 1/2 qts. water
1 meaty ham bone (1 1/2 lbs.)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 sm. bay leaf
1 c. cubed potatoes
1 c. celery, thinly sliced
1 c. onion, finely chopped
1 c. carrots, cubed
Salt & pepper

Boil beans in water for 2 minutes before removing them from the heat to let stand for 1 hour. Add ham bone, garlic and bay leaf to the beans, cover and simmer for 2 hours or until ingredients are tender. Add vegetables, salt and pepper to taste, simmer for 1 hour longer. Remove ham bone, cut off meat and dice it to add to the beans. Reheat the soup almost to boiling, then remove the bay leaf.