2 c. mixed beans, soaked overnight
2 qts. of water
2 lg. ham hocks or leftover ham bone
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 lg. onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. thyme
Salt & pepper to taste

Wash and sort beans, cover with water (2 inches over beans), add tablespoon of salt and soak overnight. Drain. Add 2 quarts of fresh water and ham hocks. Bring to a boil and simmer about 3 hours. Remove ham and cut up meat. Add all remaining ingredients and cook one more hour. OPTIONAL: Carrots and potatoes cooked and pureed to thicken stock.

BEAN MIXTURE:

1 lb. of each: Pinto beans Lentils Navy beans Kidney beans Black-eyed peas Split peas Sm. red beans Barley

You can store mixture or share recipe and 2 cups of bean mixture with friends. Makes nice Christmas gift.