Add four cups of cold water and the bay leaf.

Add the bay leaf, cover and place in the oven.

Add chicken stock to cover, about a cup, and the bay leaf.

Remove from heat, add bay leaf, and set aside for 15 to 20 minutes.

It is the source of the bay leaf used in cooking.

Add bean soup, bay leaf and one cup hot water.

Place the bay leaf and carrots in a large pot.

Add the bay leaf, and bring gently to the boil.

But, if you cook with whole bay leaf, be sure to remove it before eating the food.

I forgot to say take out the bay leaf before it sets.