2 c. dry navy or northern beans
8 c. water
2 lb. smoked ham hocks
1 lg. chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

Rinse beans. Soak overnight. Drain and rinse beans again. Place beans in a large stew pot and add water, pork, onion, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer until beans are tender. The longer, the better.