risen bean and place into medium/ large pot with lid. add all the indredients into pot and fill with water approximately 2" above the beans. cover and turn heat on to low ( i have an electric range, i turn on to 3). let beans cooks, check approx. every two hours and give a stir. add water as needed; the beans will absorb the water and expand as they cook. total cook time is approx. 4 hours. i cook till the meat is falling off the ham hocks( so my cook time is a little longer, but it's up to you). Pull the ham hocks out and set on a plate to cool, once cool enough, pull meat off and put back into the beans.

if you have to much water you can always scoop some water out. grab a potatoe masher and being to mash. i like a 70%-80% mash ratio, but once again it's up you on how/ if you want your beans mashed.