Ham & Bean Soup

• 3 cups great northern beans
• 3 quarts water
• 1 - 3 to 4 lb. meaty ham end or several ham hocks
• 1 large onion - chopped
• 1 cup celery - finely chopped
• 2 to 3 medium potatoes - peeled & diced
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper

Preparation -
Rinse beans. Combine beans and water in a stock pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 2 hours. Drain, then rinse beans. Add 3 quarts fresh water, ham & remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat; Cover and simmer for 3 to 4 hours or until beans are tender. Remove ham from bone; discard all bone and fat. Shred or cut ham into soup sized pieces and return to pot. Cook an additional 1/2 hour before serving.