1 lb. Great Northern beans
4 qts. water
2 tbsp. oil
2 med. chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb. bacon, cut in sm. pieces
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. oregano leaves
2 tsp. chopped parsley
1 tsp. salt
2 med. potatoes, peeled and diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
1 c. elbow macaroni, cooked and drained, rinsed in cold water
Grated Romano cheese

Wash beans, put in a bowl with water to cover. Soak overnight. Put beans and water they soaked in into a 6-8 quart pot. Add 4 cups water and bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered, 1 hour.

While beans are boiling put oil in skillet over medium heat - add onions, garlic and bacon - cook until onions are transparent - add pepper, oregano and parsley.

Replace water lost in pot during cooking and add salt and potatoes, celery and carrots. Add onion mixture. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Add cooked pasta, simmer 2 or 3 minutes - serve hot!