This is the best bean soup recipe I've run across.

• 1lb dried Great Northern beans, rinsed, drained and picked over
• lean ham cut up into small cubes
• 1 large onion chopped
• 4 or 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 medium potato, cubed
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 2 TBS fresh parsley
• 1 tsp cayenne powder

In a large pot, combine beans and 2-1/2 quarts of water. Remove any beans that float to the surface. Bring to a boil, cover and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the pot to stand, covered for 1 hour.

Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 3 hours or all day.