Campbell's Bean and Bacon Soup

You might have guessed this is a copycat recipe and it rocks if you like Bean and Bacon Soup. Serve with cornbread and honey or sleeves of saltine crackers. Prep time includes bean soaking time.

• Ready In: 15 hrs
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2  cups navy beans
•  water
• 6  slices  uncooked bacon, diced
• 3  small carrots, minced
• 3  stalks celery, minced
• 1  onion, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
• 2 -4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (4 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1  dash dried red pepper flakes
• 6 -8  cups water (substituting 1 or 2 cups of ham stock for equal amount of water gives this soup extra depth)
• 1  teaspoon wine vinegar
• 3  drops liquid smoke
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Soak beans overnight and discard water.
2. Place all ingredients EXCEPT wine vinegar, liquid smoke, salt and pepper in a large kettle.
3. Simmer until beans are tender, around 3 hours.
4. Puree 2 cups of soup and return to pot.
5. Add wine vinegar and liquid smoke.
6. Mix well.
7. Taste; add salt and pepper to taste.