Hearty Ham & Bean Soup

• 1 meaty ham hock
• 2 cups cooked ham, cubed
• 10 ounces beef consommé
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 cans Great northern beans, drained
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery, chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Dash hot sauce

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in Dutch oven except pepper and hot sauce. Bring to boil, then reduce heat simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until vegetables are tender. Remove ham hock and let cool slightly. Chop up the meat and add to soup. Discard ham bone. Add hot sauce and pepper. Stir well. Enjoy!