It's that time of year for a satisfying, warm soup. This one will do that plus comfort you as well. Serve it with a crusty bread.
#1 bag Great Northern beans
ham bone or nice slice of ham
2 bacon slices, uncooked
1/2 T. salt
1/2 T. black pepper
2 onion, cut into chunks
cold water
optional: 4 sliced carrots, 3 celery stalks cut into chunks, if desired.
Pick out stones and bad beans from beans; discard. Rinse beans.
To a 6 qt. soup pot or Dutch oven, add ham bone or ham slice and 2 bacon slices. Add salt and pepper, 2 onions that have been cut into chunks. Fill pot 3/4 full with cold water.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook 4-5 hours until beans are tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper, if needed.