Soak the beans overnight. In the morning, parboil them for 10 minutes with a teaspoon of baking soda added to the water.
2.
OIL SIDES OF CROCKPOT.
3.
Rinse beans with cold water and drain. Place onion in the bottom of the crockpot. Add beans and ham bone. Mix remaining ingredients with hot water in an amount to sit 1" below the beans. Pour over the beans, and cover. Cook on high for 4 hours and remove ham bone. Remove ham pieces and dice, return to pot. (Ham will measure about 1-1.5 cups of meat). Cook for 3-4 more hours on low.
4.
Avoid excessive stirring during cooking, or the beans will get very sticky.
