Rinse the beans and remove any foreign matter. Mix all ingredients in the cooking vessel.

IF USING A SLOW-COOKER: Cover, set temperature at low, and forget for at least 10 hours. If you have only half a day, cook the mixture 5 or more hours on high.

IF USING A STOVE: Heat all ingredients to boiling with pot uncovered. Turn down heat, cover, and simmer gently, adding enough boiling water to keep beans well covered. Most bean varieties will be done in 2 to 3 hours.

When beans are done, take out ham bone, cut off the meat and put it back into the pot. Serve hot with corn bread or muffins.

Green chili salsa is a Mexican sauce made from green chili peppers, onions, vinegar and other ingredients.

NOTES: A Hearty Bean Stew. This savory stew, featuring ham and beans, borrows its robust seasonings from the chuck wagon cooks of the old western cattle ranges. The secret is long, slow cooking, and your electric slow-cooker is ideal for the job. Just follow the directions that come with your particular model. If you don't have one, slow-cook the mixture on top of the stove in a heavy pot with a lid.