Country Ham Bean Soup

2 qts water 1 lb. dry great northern beans, rinsed and sorted ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup carrots, diced 1 cup onion, diced 1 cup celery, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 ham hock 1 teaspoon black pepper Place water and beans in a large pot; bring to a boil over medium/high heat. Stir in salt and remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Add carrots, onions, celery, garlic and ham hock to the pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for an hour. Remove ham hock and pull off any country ham, place pieces back in the pot. Discard ham hock. Add the black pepper and simmer for an additional 30 minutes. I remember having country ham bean soup at our local fair. It was always a treat and part of the fair experience. This is a delicious soup to have during the cold winter months. I hope you would consider making it for your family. Blessings, Terri