10 Bean Soup With Ham

Ingredients

• 3 cups ham (cubed)
• 16 oz. package of ten bean soup mix
• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 3 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1/2 medium sized yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 medium sized potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 heaping tablespoons chicken soup base or bullion
• 3 strips of bacon (chopped and browned)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Soak beans in medium stock pot overnight according to bean package directions.

Add more water to beans until pot is about 1/2 to 3/4 full.  Add chicken soup base, bay leaves, onions, pepper, and garlic.  Allow to simmer on medium heat for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Add potatoes, carrots, celery, ham, and bacon.  Add more water if needed and continue to simmer for about another 1 - 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until veggies are tender.

~ This was tonight's dinner, and a hearty 2 day meal as well.  You can add more, or less of the vegetables I've listed, depending on how you like it.  If you prefer more garlic and onion, don't be afraid to add more.  I taste it as it simmers and make additions as well, such as more black pepper.  I'll be serving this with home made bread and/or crackers.  Great for chilly winter nights. ~

Autumn Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 pork chops, your choice of cut
• 1 medium sized yellow onion, diced
• 1 can of cream of celery soup
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 2 tablespoons spicy-brown mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

Heat oil in large skillet. Brown chops on both sides, remove. Add onions to skillet and cook until semi translucent.  Add soup, apple juice, mustard, honey and black pepper to skillet, mixing well.  Return chops to mixture, cover and simmer on low heat until chops are tender.

~ You can have this over mashed potatoes or egg noodles as this gravy mixture is a wonderful addition with lots of flavor.  You can also change it up a bit, and instead of onions, try sliced apples. ~