1 (1 lb.) pkg. dried pea or navy beans
7 c. water
1 lb. ham, cubed
2 onions, cut up
2 to 3 stalks celery, cut up

Rinse beans, heat beans and water to boiling. Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour covered. Add remaining ingredients, heat to boiling, cover and simmer about 1 1/2 hours or until beans are soft and mushy. Skim off foam occasionally and add extra water if soup seems too thick. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serves 7.