Senate Bean Soup

This is a great soup to make after you have a ham (like for Easter or Christmas.) I got it from my mom and it tastes best when she makes it. It is healthy and delicious!

Makes 3 qts. (10-12 servings)

1 lb. dry navy beans

1 meaty hambone or 1 1/2 lbs. hamhocks

1 c. chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 c. chopped celery

2/3 cup mashed potato flakes

1/4 c. chopped parsley

1 1/2 t. salt (or to taste)

1/2 t. pepper (or to taste)

1 t. nutmeg

1 t. oregano

1 t. basil

1 bay leaf

For best results soak beans overnight. In large pot cover beans with 6-8 cups water. Boil and cook 2 min. Remove from heat, cover and let stand one hour. Drain; add 2 quarts water and hambone. Bring to boil again and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until tender (this can take longer, be sure and cook the beans until they're super soft!) Mash some of the beans. Add rest of ingredients and simmer 20-30 min. Remove bone and trim off meat for soup. Can freeze leftovers!