The Pink Cricut

One of my favorite feel-good meals, is simple and very, "country."   Soup Beans or Bean Soup-- whatever you call it,  I could eat it, and eat it 'til I make myself sick.  It is also very simple to make, and is always served with warm cornbread.   My kids LOVE it as much as I do-- and get excited when mommy makes it.

My grandma is the queen of soup beans-- and has really perfected the dish.  My mother made it when I was a child, and every time I would go home or go to my grandma's it was my one request.  But, then I had to learn how to make it myself and for my kids. 

The only thing that keeps me from making it on a more regular basis, is the lack of  ham bones  lying around my house.  To get a ham bone, I buy a ham, cook the ham, eat the ham, and then use the bone.  Some people can pick them up from a grocer or catering business- for cheap or even free- But, since my husband likes ham-- we do it the long way.

Now, my grandma and mom buy the beans in a bag, and soak them-- etc.  But, I have little patience when it comes to Soup Beans-- so I cut the corners a little.

You'll need:

ham bone (with ham pieces sticking to it preferably)
3 cans pinto beans
1 can navy beans (last time I subsituted black beans)
salt
cornbread

Rinse beans, and throw all ingredients into a slow cooker.  Cover beans with water.  Salt to taste.  Let cook until hot and soupy.  Make cornbread with your favorite recipe or box. 

Serve with cornbread and onions if you would like.  Yum, yum, yum.