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