Oh, but this creamy navy bean soup is so, so good. It's hearty, meaty, and more flavorful than bean soup has any business ...

Making this slightly smoky bean stew is very easy: Just saute vegetables; add water, ham hock, and beans; then let everything simmer. Mixing in a garlic mayonnaise and bitter greens at the table ...

Drain the soaked beans and discard the water. Place the beans, ham hocks, chicken broth, and bay leaf in a soup pot; do not add salt at this stage. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour ...