Fall Weather calls for Hearty Soup

Last week I received a flyer from Honey Baked Ham advertising their hams for the holidays and some bean soups.  I have been waiting for just the right time and today was the day.  Instead of going to Honey Baked Ham and forking over a pretty penny for their ham bone I remembered last Christmas I wrapped my ham bone and threw it in the bottom of the abyss of our chest freezer.  I don't know why I did it because I hardly ever cook with them but Beth, my mother in law told me it would be great in soups, so I did it.  I have to say that tonight after finishing off my second bowl of soup I was extremely glad she told me to save the bone.  On a side note although I was cheap and used the ham bone from my freezer I did call my dad and told him he needed to make the soup so he will be at Honey Baked Ham in the next few days so they are receiving a benefit from sending me the flyer.  Well for those that want to make a delicious soup and a very economical meal (even if you go to Honey Baked Ham) here is my recipe.

Dinah's Bean Soup

1 pound dried navy beans (I do the quick soak method on the bag).

1/2 - 1 cup onion

olive oil

ham bone

1 quart chicken broth (I use Pacific Natural Foods free range chicken broth)

water

After soaking the beans rinse and drain them.  Then in your stock pot add some olive oil (1-2 tblsp.) and saute your onion.  When the onion is getting soft add your beans back to the pot and add you chicken broth, about 2 cups of water and your ham bone.  I didn't add any other seasoning but feel free to add for your taste.  Now all I did was simmer it for 4-5 hours.  Before serving take out the ham bone and shred any meat and add back into the soup.

We served this with corn muffins and it was delicious and filling.

Enjoy!