What’s Cooking Wednesday – Ham and Bean Soup

Today’s recipe comes from critique partner and fellow Booklover’s Bench author, Karla Brandenburg. (And speaking of Booklover’s Bench, our March contest is running through March 18th, and you can win a $25 gift card)

Ham and Bean Soup

Ingredients:
1 pound dried great northern beans (white kidney beans also work)
3 1/2 quarts (14 cups) water, plus more for soaking the beans
1 meaty smoked ham bone or 2 ham hocks (about 1 pound)
3 fresh thyme sprigs or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 medium carrots...