1 lb dried small white beans

8 c water

1 ea meaty ham bone

1 c celery -- finely chopped

1 ea onion -- finely chopped

2 TB parsley -- finely chopped

1 ts salt

1/4 ts pepper

1 ea bay leaf

In large pan, heat beans in water. Boil gently for 2 minutes; turn off heat and let stand 1 hour.* Pour into slow-cooking pot. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on lowfor 12 to 14 hours or until beans are very soft. Remove bay leaf and ham bone. Cut meat off bone; return meat to beans. Serve hot. Recipe By : -----