Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1              pound  great northern beans
  3             stalks  celery -- chopped
  3                     carrots -- chopped (3 to 4)
  1                     yellow onion
  2 1/2         quarts  chicken stock -- made from bouillon
     3/4         pound  diced ham
     1/2         pound  diced smoked sausage
     1/2           cup  tomato juice
                        salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:

Pick through and wash the beans thoroughly. Cover them with water in a large soup kettle and bring to a boil. Continue boiling for 45 minutes. Drain excess water. The procedure can also be accomplised by soaking the beans in water overnight and then drain the excess water. Add the chicken stock, tomato juice and all vegetables. Simmer 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender. While the soup is simmering, lightly brown the ham and smoked sausage over medium heat in a skillet. This brings out the smoked flavor. Add the meats to the soup when slightly browned. Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley and freshly baked corn muffins.

Nutritional Information:

1933 Calories (kcal); 8g Total Fat; (3% calories from fat); 113g Protein; 333g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 22159mg Sodium