Ham Bone Turkey And Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 10 oz 15-bean soup beans- or other "ham" beans
• 1 1/2 c Ham scraps or fat; divided
• 1 Ham bone (optional)
• 1 Turkey carcass (optional)
• 1 Celery stalk; sliced
• 1/2 Carrot; sliced
• 1/2 Bay leaf; crumbled
• 2 1/2 qt Water (or more)
• 1 Onion; chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves; chopped
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Tabasco (optional)
• Finely chopped fresh herbs (optional)
  

Directions:

1. Cover the beans in water and soak overnight, OR place in a pan, cover, and bring to the boil. Remove from heat and let sit 1 hour. Drain.
2. Make a stock of 1 cup of the ham scraps or ham bone and optional turkey carcass, celery, carrot, bay leaf and water by bringing to the boil, reducing heat, and simmering a couple of hours. Degrease and strain.
3. This may be done ahead and frozen.
4. When ready to cook, add the beans, onion, and garlic to the stock, and bring to the boil, reduce heat, and simmer until done, about 45 minutes to an hour.
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper and optional hot sauce.
6. Add freshly chopped herbs if desired.
7. Remove from the heat.