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1
Drain the soaked beans and put them in a pot with the bay leaf and fresh cold water to cover by an inch or so.
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2
Bring to a boil, decrease heat to keep the liquid simmering steadily, and cook, partially covered, about 40 minutes, or until the beans are cooked through but not mushy.
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3
Turn off the heat, stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, and let the beans cool for a while in the pot, absorbing some of the cooking liquid.
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4
To make the soup: peel and core the apples, and cut them into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
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5
Put 4 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy saucepan, and set it over medium heat.
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6
As soon as the butter melts, scatter the apple slices in the bottom and drop in the cloves.
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7
Cook the apples for 3 minutes, or until they begin to soften, turning and stirring them gently.
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8
Drain the cooked beans, and add them to the pan, then pour in the hot water--all 8 cups if you are making soup; 6 cups to make a side dish with thicker consistency.
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9
Increase the heat, and stir in the lemon zest, cinnamon, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
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10
Cover the pan, bring the liquid to a boil, then set the cover ajar and lower the heat to keep the soup bubbling gently; simmer 10-15 minutes, until the apples are completely soft and the liquid has the consistency you like for soup.
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11
Turn off the heat, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and serve.
