Fabulous Bean Soup

I on the whole, don't really like bean soup. Never have. The herbs in this recipe caught my eye though, and I decided to give it a go. I am SO glad I did. Honey could not get enough, "it's just so delicious!" Its kind of an all day affair, so plan accordingly, and serve with crusty bread.

~2 c. dry great northern beans

~5 c. chicken broth

~3 c. water

~1 large meaty ham bone (mine wasn't super meaty, so I threw in leftover keilbasa diced up)

~2-3 Tbsp. chicken bouillon granules

~1 tsp. dried thyme

~1/2 tsp. dried marjoram

~1/2 tsp. pepper

~1/4 tsp. rubbed sage

~1/4 tsp. dried savory

~2 medium onions, chopped

~3 medium carrots, chopped

~3 celery ribs, chopped

~1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain. Add broth, water, ham bone, bouillon, and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours.

Saute onions, carrots, and celery in oil; add to soup. Cover and simmer 1 hour longer. Debone ham and cut into chunks, return to soup. Skim fat.

                                                                                      Yield:10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)