Good old Ham & Beans

My men all love Ham & Beans.

Both Brain and Mike have been asking for a "pot of beans" for a couple of weeks now.  No doubt the fact there is a big old ham bone in sight upon opening the freezer door is a constant reminder for what might soon be.......

Today is the day.

Ingredients for a Pot of Ham & Beans:

3 C. dried beans (This can be any one type or an assortment of dried beans of your choice.)
8 C. tap water

Combine the night before cooking in a large bowl and leave to set out.  The next morning drain and rinse the beans and proceed with the recipe.

Drained beans from the soak
2 cloves chopped garlic
1 large diced onion
1 large diced carrot
1 large stalk of celery diced
1 ham bone or a couple of ham hock, shanks, or 6-8 ounces diced ham
2 bay leaves
2 dried hot peppers or 2 t. dried red pepper flakes
1 1/2  t. kosher salt
1 t. ground black pepper
water to cover beans

Combine all of the above ingredients in a heavy bottomed large kettle and bring to a full boil.  Reduce the heat to a fast simmer and cook until all of the beans are tender.  Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot in mugs with crackers or cornbread.  Pass the hot sauce if needed!

Yield 8-10 servings.  Note, do not use ground cayenne instead of red pepper flakes unless you adjust the amount down to maybe 1/2 t. or it might be too hot!

Just one more thing......we eat this with a GREAT BIG SPOONFUL OF COTTAGE CHEESE POPPED RIGHT ON TOP.  Try it, you'll like it!