Ham is always beautiful thing - but there's something especially special about a nice leftover ham bone.  Unless you're a compulsive ham eater ham bones only come around a couple times a year, and it's a big decision picking out the recipe to use it in.  A simple pot of beans is one of my favorites.

Here's my simple recipe for beans, if you've got one I recommend using a slow cooker - if not just simmer it away over a low stove.

Ham Bone Beans

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 lb dried navy beans
• 1 ham bone with plenty of meat
• 1 cup ketchup
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Fry onions in a knob of butter until soft.  Add dry navy beans, ham bone, ketchup, water, brown sugar, maple syrup and smoked paprika.  Simmer over very low heat until beans are soft but not falling apart adding more water as needed, 3-5 hours.

Or, put everything in a slow cooker and cook on low.

Serves 4-6