The official soup of he U.S. Senate cafeteria since the early 1900's. Unusual calypso and cranberry beans makes ours a real star spangled red, white and blue experience. Serves 10-12.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 2 hours

Contents:  Assorted beans, herbs, spices, black pepper, onion powder, and bay leaf.

U.S. Senate Bean Soup

Ingredients to have on hand

6 c. cold tap or spring water

2 meaty country ham hocks

Spice packet (included)

¾ lb. fresh potatoes, peeled

¼ c. milk

¾ c. fresh celery, chopped

1 c. onions, chopped fine

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 tsp. salt or savory saltless spices

Directions

1)   Sort through and thoroughly wash beans.  Soak beans four hours or overnight in water to cover by 2 inches.  Drain beans and rinse well.

2)   Place the 6 cups of water and beans in a 4-6 qt. cooking pot.  Add contents of spice packet and ham hocks.  Cover and bring to boil.  Reduce heat to medium low, and cook for one hour

3)   After beans have cooked for ¾ hour, cut peeled potatoes into quarters and steam until tender.  Drain excess water and mash potatoes with a fork.  Add milk and whip potatoes until they are fluffy.

4)   Add mashed potatoes and remaining ingredients to the pot of beans.  Cover and continue cooking gently for an additional 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally and lightly mashing beans against the side of the pot using the back of a spoon.

5)   Remove ham hocks and bay leaf onto a clean cutting board.  Discard bones, fat, and bay leaf.  Finely dice the meat and return it to the soup.  Stir and remove from heat.  For best flavor refrigerate overnight and reheat the next day.

Vegetarian Version:  Omit the meat.  Add 2 T. vegetable broth powder or 2 bouillon cubes to your taste at step #4.

Delicious!

The next day, celebrate your freedoms as a citizen of our great country by registering to vote.  That evening, invite your friends over for dinner to debate the major issues of the day.  Serve our historic soup with a fresh garden salad, hot corn bread sticks and cherry rhubarb pie for dessert.

Serves 8.  Enjoy!

Contents:  Assorted beans, herbs, spices, black pepper, onion powder, and bay leaf.