Senate Ham and Bean Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 lb

meaty smoked ham hocks

Water to cover (about 7 cups )

celery stalk (rib) , rinsed but untrimmed, with leaves and cut into large chunks

large carrot , unpeeled, rinsed and cut into large chunks

medium onion , unpeeled and quartered

sprigs of fresh parsley

bay leaves

1/2 tsp

whole peppercorns

1 lb

dry navy (pea) beans , soaked overnight

large baking potato , peeled and diced

1 1/2 cups

chopped onion

celery stalk (rib) , chopped

large garlic clove , minced

1 tbsp

bacon drippings or butter

1 cup

finely diced smoked ham , optional

1 tsp

kosher salt , or to taste

1/4 tsp

freshly cracked black pepper , or to taste

Cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning , to taste, optional