Originally Posted by JeanieG

Hi everyone!

I am having a good time at my son's. The grandchildren are such a joy.

QNS, Cactus is beautiful, my mom could grow them and with her green thumb, everything bloomed. She had fuschias, azaleas, gardenias, camelias.

Jan - there is a mix (at least here) that is called 15 Bean Soup Mix. It is wonderful! I always use this bean mixture when making Ham and Bean Soup. Here is my recipe:

Fifteen Bean Soup

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[TD]1 pkg 15 Bean Soup beans
2 quarts water
1 ea onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced[/TD]
[TD]3 ea bay leaf
1 lb ham, diced
15 oz chopped tomatoes with puree
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper[/TD]
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Procedure
1 Rinse & pick over beans, separating out small stones, etc. Cover beans with hot water and bring to a boil for two minutes; remove from heat. Let stand 1 hour. Drain water, rinse beans and proceed with recipe.
2 Add water to beans and onion, garlic and meat and simmer slowly uncovered for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
3 Beans also can be prepared in a crock pot, but use "high" setting. Beans are done when tender.
4 Add tomatoes and cayenne pepper and simmer 30 minutes more. (Do not add tomatoes earlier because it will stop the beans from cooking properly.
Servings: 8