Instructions:

Black Beans and Ham Soup

2 ham hocks
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery; chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
2 quarts water
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 (46 ounce) can V-8 juice
Sour cream

Combine all ingredients except beans and sour cream in crockpot. Cover; cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.

Remove ham hocks and cut off meat; return meat to crockpot. Add the beans and cook for 1 hour or until beans are heated.

Serve with dollops of sour cream.