Country Bean Soup -

2 1/2 quarts water

1 meaty ham bone

2 onions -- chopped

1 tablespoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 bay leaf

2 minutes and soak

1 hour. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer until beans are tender.

3 - 3 1/2 hours. Remove bone and bay leaf. Mash beans lightly. Cut meat off the bone and put it back into the soup. Can be frozen at this point. To serve, add enough water to make a soupy consistency. Makes

4 quarts.