If you think your ham or bacon hock is going to be salty, soak overnight in cold water and keep in the fridge. Drain and rinse the following day.The stew can be made to the end of step 3 ...

Drain the soaked beans and discard the water. Place the beans, ham hocks, chicken broth, and bay leaf in a soup pot; do not add salt at this stage. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour ...