Bean & Smoked Bacon Soup

[Anthony Theobald]

This all-time cool-weather favorite is better than ever when you make it with Nueske Applewood Smoked Bacon.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 10-12

* 1 pound Applewood smoked Smoked Bacon, diced
* 1-48 ounce jar Great Northern beans
* 1-14 ounce can tomatoes, diced
* 1½ cups onion chopped
* 1½ cups celery, sliced thin
* 4 chicken flavor bouillon cubes (or 4 teaspoons chicken stock)
* 9 cups water
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
* ¼ teaspoon pepper
* Salt to taste

In 8-quart soup pot over medium heat, cook bacon pieces until slightly crispy, stirring occasionally. Spoon off all but 4 tablespoons bacon grease. In same pan, cook celery and onions about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour beans into pan, add water, bouillon or stock, bay leaf, pepper, cloves and tomatoes. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, simmer 30 minutes. Serve hot. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Note: 1½-cups diced Smoked Ham may be substituted for bacon.

[Agent Nancy]

Sounds delicious Anthony! Anything with bacon or garlic is an automatic winner in my house. I'll need to try your recipe!