Soak 1 pound Great Northern beans overnight in cold water, or boil for 15 minutes. Drain and wash off. Put the beans in a soup kettle with a ham bone that still has some meat on it and 3 quarts water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for about 2 hours.

Stir in:

1 onion, chopped
1-2 sm. potatoes, diced
1 carrot, diced

Simmer the soup for 1 hour longer until beans are thoroughly cooked. Remove ham bone, dice the meat on it and return the meat to the soup. Add pepper to taste. Serves 6.