CHRISTMAS SOUP

15 Bean Super Soup
15 bean pre-packaged soup mix, found
in supermarkets
1 lg. onion
1 lg. can tomatoes
1 pod red pepper (optional) OR
1 tsp. chili powder
Juice of one lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Wash beans thoroughly. Place in large kettle, cover with water, add 2 teaspoons salt, and soak overnight. In morning, drain. Add 2 pints water and some ham or ham hocks. Bring to a boil, then simmer slowly 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Add onion, tomatoes, red pepper or chili powder, lemon, salt and pepper. Simmer another 30 minutes or so. Serve with crackers and a green salad.