MEG O'MALLEY'S IRISH PARLIAMENT BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• Rinse beans in cool water and soak overnight. In a 6-quart stock pot, add drained beans, ham bone, water, and seasonings and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer over a medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until beans are soft (about 1 1/2 hours). Add vegetables and cook until tender and soup has thickened. Remove ham bone, adjust seasonings and enjoy with Irish Brown Bread or you favorite crackers.
• Chef Matt: Meg O'Malley's.
• Notes: I first cooked a bone-in ham by rubbing the surface with ground ginger and cloves; put in a "brown-n-bag" and pour in a small bottle of ginger ale. Seal and place in a 325* oven for 3 hours. To the soup, I add an extra carrot, more salt and pepper, an extra teaspoon of thyme and some of the ham that I have diced. YUM ! ! !