Recipe(tried): Navy Bean Soup

I've tried this recipe numerous time with the same great result.

Navy Bean Soup

1 lb. of navy beans + 8 cups of water. Soak overnight.
The first thing the next morning rinse the beans and add:
1 C of chopped celery
1 medium chopped onion
1 cup of ham chunks
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

After the beans have soaked overnight drain and rinse. Place beans in a crock-pot along with rest of ingredients and enough water to cover. Cook on low for the day or for the texture of beans you prefer. You can add or subtract water for the thickness of soup you prefer. I've always used the spiral-cooked ham and placed whatever I could glean off the bone plus the bone in the crock-pot. The only problem with this is the cartilage and grissle don't dissolve and you need to pick them out. Last time I made this I took the time to strip the bone and didn't put it in the crock-pot, it was a lot easier. I think what makes the spiral ham so good in this recipe is the sugar and honey seasoning. Next time I try this I'm going to by the cooked ham chunks and marinate them in honey and brown sugar rather than wait to buy a ham.