Spring is here! Including the spring of 2012, the past four springs have essentially consisted of easter left overs and signing a lease on a new apartment.  As the sudden reality of moving has dawned on my consciousness, I realized that I need to use the ham bone I’ve been freezing.

Spring tulips from my recent New York City Adventure. This photo was taken on Sesame Street, no less!

On Sunday I made bean soup using the ham bone from Easter. It was delicious and simple.

Mixed Bean Soup:

2 cups mixed beans (soak overnight prior to cooking)
1 chopped onion 
1 cup chopped celery
Ham bone with meat
8 cups water

Saute chopped onion and celery until translucent. Add ham, beans and water. Cook under low heat uncovered for about 2 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally. Essentially the ham does the magic. Serve with my easy-peasy corn bread.

Let's face it, bean soup isn't pretty. Instead, I grant my fellow readers with a lovely preschool picture. Here, we studied plants. This is a super easy project -- zip lock baggie, bean, and a damp paper towel. Trick! Use a staple to keep the bean in place.

Corn bread:

Trader Joe's boxed corn bread (egg, 3/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup oil)
1 T butter
1 T honey

Cook according to box, I used a bread loaf pan and parchment paper to protect from my spaztic oven.

Brush on butter and honey while warm to create a glaze.

Trader Joe's Boxed Corn Bread -- so good, so simple.