Nancy's Navy Bean Soup

• 1/3 cup baking soda
• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 8 ounces sliced ham, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 ribs of celery, including the leaves, chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 quarts water

1. Place the navy beans in a colander.
2. Pour the baking soda on top.
3. Rinse well with water, examining for defective beans and removing them.
4. Place the beans and all the rest of the ingredients in a crockpot.
5. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 10 hours.
6. Serve and enjoy.