1 qt. cold water
1 c. dried white beans
1/2 lb. slab of bacon, cut lengthwise into 3 strips and crosswise into halves
1 1/2 lbs. cooking apples
1 1/2 lbs. pears, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4 inch wedges
1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
1 c. coarsely diced carrots
3 med. potatoes, peeled and diced (1/2 inch)
Salt and pepper

Drop beans into boiling water, boil 2 minutes, then let soak for 1 hour. Add the bacon, simmer as slowly as possible for 1 hour or until beans barely tender. Add apples, pears, green beans, carrots, potatoes, salt and pepper. Partially cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes longer, or until beans fully cooked.