Old Fashioned Northern Beans

Great Northern Beans
To get started, empty bag of beans into a colander and wash
completely, discarding any particles.  Then place in a bowl and
cover with fresh water and soak preferably overnight.
Drain water and place into a pot and cover with about three or four
inches of water.  Bring to a rolling boil, then turn heat down to low
and simmer for about two hours or until beans appear to be done.
If ham  or seasoning meat is used add this at the beginning 
cook time.  Country Ham works best with these type of beans.
But any kind of ham will actually do.  Salt and Pepper to taste.  This might also be a good time to bring out the old cast iron dutch ovens.  Or even better the porcelain overlay cast iron dutch ovens.
Afterall, what Country Kitchen would not be equipped withouy a little Lodge cast iron!