BILL'S NAVY BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• 1. Pick over the dried beans and discard any debris.
• 2. Wash and drain and put beans in a large pot and cover with water.
• 3. Let stand 8 hours or overnight.
• 4. The next day, chop celery, carrots and onions into 1/4-inch pieces. (This is easier with a food processor).
• 5. Drain beans and add vegetables, 5 cups water, ham hocks or ham bone, and pepper to taste and add salt if you wish.
• 6. Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat for 3 hours or until beans are tender.
• 7. Remove ham hocks and set aside to cool.
• 8. Remove meat from bones and cut meat into half-inch pieces.
• 9. Put 2 cups of the soup into a blender along with the butter and flour; puree.
• 10. Pour this puree back in pan.
• 11. Puree more of the soup if you prefer a smoother texture and add the chopped ham pieces back into the soup.
• 12. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until soup is slightly thickened.
• 13. Good when sprinkled with a few drops of hot pepper sauce just before serving.