1 lb. navy beans
1 tsp. baking soda
Ham and or ham bone
1 onion
Salt and pepper to taste
Sm. amount of ketchup

DUMPLINGS:

2 eggs
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt

Put beans in pan (discarding any bad ones) and cover with cold water. Bring water to boil and pour off. Again cover beans in cold water and bring to a boil a second time; add baking soda. Stir through beans and allow to cook 5 minutes. Pour off and start in cold water for the third and final time. Add ham bones and onion (whole); plus seasoning. Cook for 1 hour. Before serving, add ketchup for richer color.

Dumplings may be prepared and added the final 15 minutes. Beat eggs and 2 cups (or less) flour with salt in a bowl. When it thickens enough, spoon off into hot bean soup.