Instructions

  1. Combine the beans, bacon, onion, celery, carrot, bouquet garni and broth in slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours.
  3. Remove the bouquet garni.
  4. Discard.
  5. Puree about one-third of the soup in a food processor.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Add cream if using, cover and continue to cook on LOW 15 minutes longer.