Wash beans and discard water. Place beans in a big pot and cover with 2 quarts of water. You may allow them to soak up to 8 hours. They may be prepared without soaking, but cooking time will lengthen.

After soaking, drain the water off and add 2 more quarts water and all ingredients, except salt. Bring to rolling boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 3 hours or until the beans are soft.

Salt to taste during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking time. If you add salt earlier, the beans will take longer to get soft.

Serve warm with a pan of fresh homemade cornbread.