French Market Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. French Market Soup Mix
3 qt. water
1 very meaty ham bone
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes
2 onions, chopped
6 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. parsley, minced

Preparation

Wash beans and put in heavy pot, cover with water and soak overnight.
Drain.
Add 3 quarts of water, ham bone, salt and pepper.
Simmer, covered for 2 1/2 hours.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Remove ham bone, cut meat from bone, chop meat and return to soup pot.
You can add a bag of Bouquet Garni, pieces of steamed smoked sausage or 1/2 c. red wine or all three!
This soup improves with age!