NINE BEAN SOUP
1 pkg. nine beans
2 qts. water
1 lb. ham or big ham hock
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp. salt or to taste
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. oregano
1 (12 oz.) can vegetable cocktail
juice
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 c. parsley, chopped
1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes with liquid
Wash bean mix. Cover with water and let soak overnight. (If you forget to soak beans overnight, cover beans with water, bring to boil and boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 1 hour.) Drain beans. Ad 2 quarts cold water and ham. Bring to a boil; simmer covered 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir in remaining ingredients; simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.