Ham and Beans

Do not pre-soak beans if you prefer a thicker, heartier soup. Rinse beans and add to soup pot with ham bone, chopped onion, butter (yes, the whole cube), salt and pepper. Fill with water until ham and beans are covered by about an inch to an inch and a half of water. Bring to a simmer. It takes about 3-5 hours to cook the beans thoroughly, sometimes longer. Stir occasionally and add water if necessary. Once beans are completely soft shred any meat remaining on the bone and remove the bone from the soup pot.