Grandma Mary's Ham and Beans

     My Mother has had these Ham and Beans all her life on New Years Day.  It has been in her family for well over 100 years.  Not to mention it is my husbands favorite meal...mostly because it is served with fried Potatoes, Coleslaw and Cornbread...who would hate that!...no one, that's who!  This is definitely not my standard fare, but once a year seems to be just the right amount.  Do you have a New Years favorite!?  PS.  My mother in law told me that you have to eat at least one Bean on New Years Day for good luck all year long.  That seems simple enough to comply for guaranteed good fortune.

Ingredients~

1 pound bag Great Northern Beans

Water, enough to cover Beans twice

1 chopped Onion

1 stick Butter

1-2 Ham Hocks, extra Ham if desired

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

     Rinse bag of Beans in strainer, add beans to bowl and cover with water 3-4 inches overnight.  Drain Beans, add back to pot, along with remaining ingredients, then cover with water, simmer 2-3 hours til Beans softened.  Remove Hock, cool to touch, remove meat from bone and add back to soup.  Enjoy  :)