MIXED BEAN SOUP WITH HAM & KIELBASA

MIXED BEAN SOUP WITH HAM & KIELBASA,,SO YUMMY, I MAKE THIS 3-4 TIMES A MONTH 1 bag (approx 16 oz) mixed dried beans + enclosed flavor pack (see NOTES) 8 cups water 2 tsp chicken base (i.e. Better Than Bouillon) -OR- 2 chicken stock cubes 1 cup sliced carrots - about ½-inch thick ½ cup chopped onion meaty ham bone -OR- 1 large ham steak, cut in chunks ½ tsp basil 1 bay leaf 1 package fully-cooked kielbasa, cut in ½-inch slices Salt and pepper to taste Place soaked beans in a 5-7 quart slow cooker. Add the water and the flavor pack that was in the beans (if there isn't one in your package, it's not essential so don't worry), the chicken base, carrots, onions, basil, bay leaf. kielbasa and ham bone/ham chunks. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours, high 5-8 hours (times are approximate). Add salt and pepper to taste. NOTES To prepare beans-- place beans in a large pot and cover with water 1" above the beans. Soak overnight. Alternate method (but not as good)--place beans in a large pot and cover with water 1" above the beans. Bring water to a boil, boil 5 minutes then remove from the heat, cover and let sit for 1 hour. With either method, drain the water and rinse. Flavor packet--if the brand of beans you buy doesn't have a little packet of flavoring, it's not essential so don't worry.