Soup-er Saturday

Thanksgiving is a memory and Christmas is now officially in full swing.  Have you started your shopping yet?  How about planning the Yuletide menu?  I, personally, am going give this tummy warming soup a try. 

Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients

3/4 pound fully cooked ham, cubed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup diced peeled potatoes
3/4 cup diced carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions
In a large saucepan, saute the ham, onion and garlic in butter until onion is tender. Add the next seven ingredients; cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add peas and cook for 5 minutes longer or until heated through. Stir in parsley.
Yield: 8 servings (about 2 quarts).

The only thing that would make this soup even better would be a free ham to use in it.  Jingle bell hop on over to Katie's at A List Makers Life for your chance to win!