1 pond marrow or pea beans, rinsed and picked over

2 tablespoons bacon drippings, butter or margarine

1 clove garlic, minced

2 ribs celery, chopped

1-teaspoon salt

1/4-teaspoon pepper

1 cooked smoked ham bone or hock with some meat

1 cup mashed potato

1 large onion, chopped

8 cups water

In a kettle bring beans and water to boil; boiling 2 minutes. Cover, turn off heat and let stand for 1 hour. In skillet in hot oil sauté onion, celery and garlic until lightly browned; add to beans with ham bone, bring mixture to boil, cover and simmer for 2 hours or until beans are very tender. Remove ham bone; cut off and mince meat; reserve. Stir in salt and pepper. With potato masher, mash beans slightly. Stir in potatoes until smooth, add ham and heat.

Makes 6 servings