Ham Bone Soup

This is my favorite Ham Bone Soup that I have tried yet.  The flavor is great and it really is a low maintenance soup, especially if you have a food processor.  You can cook it on the stove top or in the crock pot, and it turns out great either way. If you really are a big fan of ham, you  may want to save some chopped ham and add that to the soup in addition to the meat that falls off the bone.  (If you are wondering, use the ham bone leftover from cooking a spiral ham, once all the rest of the meat is gone.)

My kids (and husband) all loved this.  It is perfect on a really cold day and it makes a TON.  So, feel free to freeze the leftovers if needed.

1 meaty ham bone
1 parsnip, chopped (looks like a big, white carrot)
4 carrots, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1-2 onions (whatever your taste preference), chopped
2 sweet potatoes (not yams. Light brown skin, white flesh), peeled and chopped
2 cans white beans (navy, great northern or cannelloni)
1 can chopped tomatoes (I never use this)
4 cups water
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp. sage
1/2 tsp. marjoram
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. rosemary
1 tsp. salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp. pepper (or to taste)

Combine everything in a pot over medium heat.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Before serving, help the rest of the meat fall off the bone.

OR: Combine everything in the crock pot.  Cook on low 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally.