Buckshot Slim's 5 Bean Soup

1       (1) pound bag of 5 bean soup mix

1       large onion (chopped fine)

3       garlic cloves (minced)

3       stalks celery ( chopped, with leaves)

2       15 ounce cans crushed or diced tomatoes

1       15 ounce can chicken stock

1-3     ham hocks, or ham bone with plenty of meat still on.

1        tbsp. dried parsley

1 1/2  tsp.  Italian seasoning

1        tsp. coarse ground black pepper

          salt to taste

       Soak the beans overnight then bring to boil; remove from heat and set aside
       Saute' the ham, onion & celery till soft.
       Add the beans chicken broth and cover with water ( a couple inches over the beans)
       Add the stock, tomatoes, parsley, pepper, Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp or so of salt for starters
       Stir it up bring to boil, reduce to a simmer comer and cook till beans are tender 2 -2 1/2 hours
       Add stock or water as needed.  If a flavoring pack came with the beans add that  after 2 hours
       Check salt & pepper.  Add hot sauce now if desired
       Serving over rice is a good option