Crock-pot Comfort Ham & Beans

Sort the beans for any pebbles and the rinse beans under cold water. Soak beans by placing in cold water overnight (enough water to cover beans by 2 - 3 inches) Add the soaked, rinsed beans, onion, "Nature's" seasoning, and ham shanks, hocks or ham (chopped into large chunks) into the crock pot. Add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. (about 6 - 8 cups) Cover and cook on low high the first 2 hours then turn to low and continue cooking for about 4 - 5 hours or until beans are tender. Remove the ham shanks or hocks and pull off all of the meat. Return the meat to the crock pot and add the brown sugar. Sometimes I remove about a cup of the juice before adding the brown sugar. It depends on how thick or thin you want the beans. Lightly mix to combine. Ladle in to bowls and serve. NOTES: I cheat when it comes to corn bread. And I make it "Southern Style" (sweet cornbread). I use 2 boxes of "Jiffy" cornbread mix; but mix in 2 - 3 Tablespoons of sugar along with both mixes. Now go ahead and make according to package instructions for 2 boxes. I put my batter into one 8 x 8 pan for a nice, thick loaf.