White Bean & Ham Soup

Fall is not to far away and that is generally when I start thinking soup!  I tend to not make any during the summer months (much to the hubby's dismay) - he would love it year round.  To me its a warming comfort food for Fall & Winter!

White Bean & Ham Soup
1 pound dry cannellini beans (or northern)
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced thin
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 14.5 oz. can stewed tomatoes
1 1/2 tsp. italian seasoning
8 oz. ham, cubed
salt
pepper

Place beans in a large pot and cover with water.  Bring to a boil.  Cover and turn off the heat.  Allow to soak overnight.
Drain beans and then add them to your slow cooker.  Add 4 c. water, onion, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, seasonings and ham.  Stir.  Cover and cook on high for 6 hours.  Mash the beans slightly to thicken the soup (if desired).  Serve with a nice baguette or french bread!