Holiday Bean 'n Bacon Soup

• 2 cups dried bean mix (navy, split peas, great northern, pinto, lentils, black-eyed peas)
• 8 cups water
• 8 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 12 teaspoon salt
• 14 teaspoon garlic powder
• 18 teaspoon pepper
• 14 12 ounces stewed tomatoes
• 4 ounces taco sauce
• 12 ounces Little Smokies sausages or 1 lb ham

1. Rinse beans and combine water in large saucepot or Dutch oven.
2. Cover and bring to a boil.
3. Boil for 2 minutes and remove from heat.
4. Let stand 1 hour.
5. Add bacon, onion, bay leaf, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil and turn down heat.
7. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
8. Add remaining ingredients.

bean mix, water, bacon, onion, bay leaf, salt, garlic, pepper, tomatoes, taco sauce, sausages

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/holiday-bean-n-bacon-soup-338237 (may not work)