Senate Bean Soup
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 – cups dried white bean, soaked overnight
• 1 – “country” ham bone, with meat
• 3 – quarts water
• 1/2 - cup mashed potatoes
• 3 – onions, finely chopped
• 1 – bunch celery with leaves, finely chopped
• 1 – clove garlic, minced
• 2 – Tablespoons parsley, minced
• 1/2 - teaspoon salt
• 1/2 - teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Drain the beans, put them into a kettle with the ham bone and 3 quarters water.  
2. Cover, bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer 2 hours.
3. Stir in the potatoes and add the onions, celery, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.  
4. Continue slow cooking until the beans are done.
5. Remove the ham bone, and discard after trimming away the meat bits, which are added back into the soup. 

Picnicking & Tailgating

Heat (on stove or in microwave) and pour into a thermos.  When you get to the picnic or tailgate site, just pour and enjoy.