1 lb. dried white beans, soak in water overnight
1 lg. onion
2 carrots
3 ribs celery
Ham bone, ham hock or bacon for flavoring
1 lg. pan water
Salt and pepper to taste

Drain off the bean water and put the beans, the ham or bacon and water in a pot. Cook over medium heat. Make sure no foam gets in the water. Take it off if it comes on. Cook for about 1 hour. While that is cooking cut up the onion, celery, and carrot and then add it to the soup. Continue to cook over a low heat until the beans are nice and soft. If you like, you can dice up a couple peeled potatoes and put them in at the last so they don't over cook.