Slow Cooker Ham and Beans

Yes!  I love the slow cooker! The comfort of warm ham and beans waiting for you when you get home.. delish!  I used a ham hock instead of a smoked ham which didn't give me as many ham chunks as I would've liked in the finished dish.  I'll definitely do the smoked ham next time.  Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.  I hope you enjoy :)

1 lb dried great northern beans (mixed if desired) or 1 lb other dried beans (mixed if desired)
3 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
1 large sweet onion, chopped coarsely
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 lb smoked ham or 1 lb ham hock
6 cups water or 6 cups broth
Directions:

Sort beans and soak in enough water to cover overnight.  Or you may sort them and place in a saucepan with 2-inches of water to cover.  Bring them to a boil, boil for 3 minutes, then cover and remove from heat.  Allow to sit for one hour after boiling (don't lift the lid).  Whichever method you use, rinse and drain the beans before placing them in the crock pot.  Put the rinsed beans, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, parsley, cloves, ham (chopped into large chunks) or ham hocks into the crock pot along with 6 cups water or broth.  Cover crock, and cook on low for about 8 hours, or until beans are tender and creamy.  Skim any excess fat, if necessary, before serving