Ham Bone Soup

1 meaty ham bone or 4 -6 ham hocks
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, minced
1 carrot, shredded (optional)
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 lb great northern bean, rinsed and picked over
6 -8 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Directions:

1
Add onion and celery to crock pot.
2
Place ham bone or hocks on top of onion and celery.
3
Pour rinsed beans around ham and sprinkle with pepper.
4
Add bay leaves and garlic.
5
Add chicken stock and stir to combine all ingredients cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
6
When ham is tender (6-7 hours) Remove meat from bones (discarding fat and bones) and return meat to the pot. Stir to combine and break up ham pieces.
7
To thicken smash some of the beans on the side of crock pot.
8
When done skim any fat off and discard bay leaves.

Read more at: http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-ham-bone-and-beans-348200?oc=linkback