Load the slow cooker

• Rinse the dried northern beans and drain well.
• Place the ham and the beans in the slow cooker.
• Season to taste with all-purpose seasoning.
• Pour in water until it sits about 2 inches above the beans.

Cook the ham and beans

• Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
• Then switch to low and cook for 4 hours, until the beans are tender.

Shred the ham

• Take the ham out of the slow cooker.
• Chop or shred the meat and set aside.

Blend part of the beans

• Ladle out 1.5 to 2 cups of beans and their liquid.
• Blend until smooth to add creaminess.

Finish and serve

• Stir the blended beans back into the slow cooker.
• Return the chopped ham and stir well.
• Serve hot with slices of sourdough bread.