Created by Felix4067 on December 12, 2013
Step 1: Pick over beans and discard any stones or bad beans.
Step 2: Place beans in a large Dutch oven or soup pot and fill with cold water to about 2-3 inches above level of beans; cover and let stand overnight. This may take longer than 8 hours depending on the age of the beans; they should be firm, but not hard, when ready.
Step 3: Drain beans and return to pot; add ham bone, drippings, water, ham and onions; cover and bring just to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 2 hours.
Step 5: Add carrot and celery to the pot; cover and simmer another 1 hour or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. (If you wish, you may also add 2-3 quartered potatoes at this point...I leave them out to cut down on carbs.)
Step 6: Remove ham bone(s) from pot and chop any meat; add meat back to pot, season with salt and pepper and serve.