Bernie's Bean and Ham Soup

Another highlight of a recent Manitoba visit was a pot of Bernie's bean soup.  It was so good, we went back the next night for more.

The amout of salt will depend on how salty the ham is and the type of salt.   You may find that it doesn't need salt at all.

Ingredients:
5 pound smoked ham with rind and bone (should not be not too salty)
10 cups water
1 Tbsp. black peppercorns
1 bunch parsley
1 bay leaf
1 clove garlic
2 onions
1 Tbsp. salt (unless the ham is salty)
3 cups dried beans (the small ones)

Instructions:
Soak beans in a large bowl of water for 8 hours.  Drain the water and discard.
Cook the ham in a large pot of water for 2 hours.   Put the spices and herbs into a large spice ball and cook with the ham.
Chop the onions finely and cook them and the garlic with the ham.
Simmer for 2 hours.
Add the soaked beans and cook for another hour.