Bean Soup For 6
["1 lb. beans", "1 1/2 lb. ham hocks", "6 peppercorns", "1 bay leaf", "1 medium onion, sliced", "1/2 to 1 tsp. salt", "2 qt. cold water (more water as needed)"]
["Rinse beans.", "In a large pot, cover beans with 2 quarts cold water.", "Bring to boil; boil gently for 2 minutes.", "Remove from heat; let stand 1 hour.", "Add seasonings.", "Boil gently until beans are tender (3 to 3 1/2 hours).", "Add onion the last 1/2 hour.", "Cut ham off beans and return to soup.", "Serve hot with hot cornbread or corn muffins."]
["beans", "ham hocks", "peppercorns", "bay leaf", "onion", "salt", "cold water"]