Senate Soup

1 lb (4 c) navy beans (or your favorite)
1 ham hock (smoked or fresh)
3 c mashed potatoes
1 c chopped celery
1 large carrot, diced
garlic to taste
salt & pepper to taste

Soak beans overnight, then pour into large soup pot with enough additional water to equal 5 quarts. Add ham and simmer for 2 hours (beans should be soft). Add remaining ingredients and simmer until heated through.

Yield: ~4 1/2 quarts

Time to make: 2-3 hours (after soak overnight)

Source: Pamela Peterson