Navy Bean Soup
["1 lb. navy beans or 1 (No. 3) can Great Northern beans", "2 c. cubed, cooked ham", "1 c. chopped celery", "1 c. shredded carrot", "2/3 c. mashed potato flakes or 1 1/2 c. mashed potatoes", "1 1/2 tsp. salt", "1 tsp. each: pepper, nutmeg, oregano and basil", "1 bay leaf"]
["If using dry beans, wash and sort.", "In large kettle, cover the beans with 6 to 8 cups of hot water.", "Bring to boil; boil for 2 minutes.", "Remove from heat.", "Cover; let stand for 1 hour.", "Add another 8 cups cold water and ham pieces.", "Bring to boil; simmer for 1 1/2 hours.", "Stir in remaining ingredients; simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until beans are tender.", "Makes about 3 quarts soup."]
["navy beans", "celery", "carrot", "potato flakes", "salt", "pepper", "bay leaf"]