| preparation 
       Sort and wash bean mix; place in Dutch oven.  Cover with water 2 inches above beans; soak overnight.  Drain beans; add 2 quarts water, ham hock, salt and pepper.  Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours until beans are tender.  Add remaining ingredients; simmer 30 minutes.  Stir occasionally. Remove ham hock, take meat from bone, chop and return to soup. Yields 2 1/2 quarts. |