White Bean and Ham Soup

2 cans (15.5 oz each) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 medium carrots, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 T butter or margarine
2 1/4 c water
1 1/2 c cubed fully cooked ham
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 to 1/4 tsp white pepper
1 bay leaf

1. Mash 1 can of beans. Set aside

2. In a large sauce pan, saute the carrots and onion in butter. Stir in the water, ham, seasonings, and whole and mashed beans.

3. Cook over medium heat until heated through. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Yields 6 servings.