Sharon's Navy Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 c. dry navy beans
• 5 c. water
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1/4 c. celery, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (3/4 pound) ham hock, a meaty ham bone, or several pieces of boneless ham
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• dash pepper

Preparation:

Soak beans for 12 hours and drain. Put beans in Dutch oven and cover with water; simmer for about 30 minutes. Place all ingredients in a 3 to 5-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 10 to 12 hours. Remove ham hock and discard skin, fat, and bone. If using several piece of boneless ham like I do, ignore this step). Cut meat in small pieces and place in soup. Beans can be mashed if desired. Serve with cornbread.