Black Beans and Ham Soup

Ingredients

• 2 ham hocks
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery; chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 2 quarts water
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 (46 ounce) can V-8 juice
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients except beans and sour cream in slow cooker.
2. Cover; cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
3. Remove ham hocks and cut off meat; return meat to slow cooker.
4. Add the beans and cook for 1 hour or until beans are heated.
5. Serve with dollops of sour cream.