Ray's Ad Lib Bean Soup

My cousin Ray is a great cook!  At all the family reunions his barbeque skills reigned supreme!  I am calling this "ad lib" because the recipe can change slightly depending on what ingredients he has on hand. I hope I got close!

Ingredients:
1 pkg of 15-bean mix
Chicken stock (large can)
1 lb. smoked ham hock
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped peppers (red or green)
1 lb. ground sausage (spicy!), browned
3 garlic cloves (minced)
Diced tomatoes (large can)
Hot sauce (to taste)
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)


Preparation:
Soak beans overnight. Drain the beans and place in large pot with 2 quarts of water. Add the ham hock bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 1/2 hours add water as necessary. Remove hamhock and shred meat from the bone, returning meat to the pot. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for another 45-60 min or until beans are cooked to your liking.

Chef Ray’s Notes -
Sometimes you have to add some water if you add a lot of veggies. Or more broth if you have it. Check the taste when the beans are done. Add seasoning to taste. Don't boil it too hard or they will stick to the bottom. I cover the pot until the hamhocks split. Pull them out and let them cool. Put whatever meat you get back in. You could leave the fat in longer if you want for a richer flavor. Just watch for small bones. Have fun!!