Navy Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. navy beans or 1 (No. 3) can Great Northern beans
2 c. cubed, cooked ham
1 c. chopped celery
1 c. shredded carrot
2/3 c. mashed potato flakes or 1 1/2 c. mashed potatoes
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. each: pepper, nutmeg, oregano and basil
1 bay leaf

Preparation

If using dry beans, wash and sort.
In large kettle, cover the beans with 6 to 8 cups of hot water.
Bring to boil; boil for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Cover; let stand for 1 hour.
Add another 8 cups cold water and ham pieces.
Bring to boil; simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
Stir in remaining ingredients; simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until beans are tender.
Makes about 3 quarts soup.