Senate Bean Soup

Fall is coming, time for some soups!

1 lb dried beans (navy, pea or great northern) rinsed and picked over
water
1 meaty ham bone
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 cup diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot soak beans overnight in 2 quarts of water.  Next morning add 2 more quarts water.  Add ham bone, bring to boil and skim.  Cover then simmer 2 hours or until beans begin to fall apart.  Add potatoes, onion, celery and garlic.  Simmer 1 hour longer.  Remove ham bone and cut up meat.  Discard bone; return meat to soup.  If desired, mash beans and potatoes against side of pot to thicken soup.  Season.  Makes 4 quarts and can be frozen.