U. S. SENATE BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• 1. Place beans in a pot of cold water and soak overnight, drain the beans and replace the water to cook.
• 2. Using a 5-quart pot , place the drained beans in with 3-quarts of cold water.Bring the water to a boil , reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 2 hours along with the ham bone.
• 3. In the meantime chop the onions, garlic, celery, and parsley. When the beans and meat has cooked for 2 hours , add the chopped vegatables and the potatos to the pot. Simmer for one hour longer or until beans are tender.
• 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bones and meat from the soup, Dice the meat into 1/2 inch pieces and return to the pot. Discard the bones. Garnish with snippets of parsley or chives when ready to ladle into bowls.