Bean with Bacon Soup

I am sure I have mentioned that I like beans. Well, one day I had some white northern beans in my freezer. (I buy dry beans and cook them without seasoning in my crockpot until just tender. Then I freeze them in 2 cup batches.) I wanted some "Bean with Bacon Soup". I had never made it before, but decided to try. I asked myself "What belongs in this soup". You will find my answer in the recipe that follows. It was delicious.

I remind you that I don't measure much, so amounts are approximations. Feel free to adjust to your taste.

• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 tablespoon bacon fat (or olive oil)
• 1-2 teaspoons thyme
• 4 cups stock (sometimes I use water with bouillion)
• couple of strips bacon, fried to taste (you can also use imitation bacon bits)
• 2 cups white northern beans, cooked (or canned, drained)
• salt
• pepper

1. In large soup pot, saute onion, celery, carrots, in bacon fat. Just as onions are becoming translucent, add thyme. Saute a few moments longer.

2. Add stock and bacon. Simmer until vegetable are tender (but not mushy).

3. Add beans. Add salt (you won't need much if any) and pepper to taste. Return to simmer. Serve.