Soup...

So soup. I hate soup. Well, not all soups (soups I like: french onion, cheesy potato, pumpkin). But really, most soups I just don't like (especially any with ground beef. Eww!). I never fill full after eating them. I'd really rather have a sandwich or a hunk of bread even. Anyway, Matt loves soups (not all soups, but quite a few (soups matt does NOT like: french onion, cheesy potato, pumpkin). I remember being told that marriage was about comprimise. I never realized this would include food. Okay, fine, don't squeeze the toothpaste the right way, I can deal with that. But soup? I'm supposed to eat soup with you? Well, I cook Matt soup and I even eat it with him. This must make me the most awesomest wife in the world :) Right?

Well, we have a little after Easter tradition. Every year we go to Matt's grandparents for Easter. Every year they have ham. Every year we are given the ham bone. And every year I make Matt Ham & Bean soup. Tonight was the night for our yearly ham bone soup. Here is the recipe if you ever happen to be gifted a ham bone (I have heard that you can ask for one at a meat counter, but I've never been brave enough to try this). Enjoy! (If you like soup that is...)

Ham & Bean Soup
1 lb dry Navy beans
4 C water
4 C chicken broth
1 ham hock
1 C chopped carrots
1 C chopped celery
1 C chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. mustard powder
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. Paprika

1. Soak beans for at least 8 hours. Discard soak water.
2. In large pot combine all ingredients. Stir & bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours.
3. Remove Ham Hock & remove meat from bone.
4. Remove 2 cups of soup & puree. Replace both soup & ham meat in pot. Stir well, serve.