Rinse 16 oz. of navy or Northern beans.

In a large Dutch oven, combine beans with 6 cups of water.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 minutes.

Let stand for 1 hour, then drain.

Add 8 cups of water, 2 smoked ham hocks, 1 tsp. each of salt and basil, 1/2 tsp. each of pepper, nutmeg, and oregano, 2 tsp. garlic powder, 1 bay leaf, and 1 c. chopped onion.

Bring to a boil (covered).

Simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

Bone the ham hocks and return the meat to the beans with 1 c. chopped carrots, 1 c. chopped celery, and 1/2 c. instant mashed potatoes.

Stir to blend.

Simmer for several hours, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf before serving.