One bag of 15 bean soup beans washed thoroughly and place in a large kettle. Cover with water, add 2 tablespoons of salt and soak overnight. Drain, cover with 2 quarts of water and add ham or hambone. Cook slowly for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Add 1 large onion, chopped, 1 large can of tomatoes, 1 pod pepper or 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 clove garlic, chopped. Juice of 1 lemon or 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Optional 1/2 cup of uncooked macaroni. Cook 30 minutes longer. Salt and pepper to taste. Great in crockpot, but it takes 8 to 10 hours in crockpot. Delicious with hard rolls or crackers and salad.