OK, I gotta story. Anyone who is familiar with the show "Everybody Loves Raymond" can surely appreciate this because with the exception of my in-laws living 5 minutes away & not across the street.....they ARE Frank & Marie, and hubby & I are Ray & Debra. I'm not at all kidding, really. The in-laws called last night 4 TIMES, not leaving a message, and then came over to give me a.....yes a ham bone. Not only did I think the worst, as my husband is (again) in Monterey on business, but..it was just a hambone. Anyway, I was able to make the soup with it, and it turned out pretty good. I subbed green beans for the peppers, and if I make it again, I will add some sort of pasta. Nice & low cal. Thanks Charlene. If ever you get a chance to see the show...do, you'll get a peek into my life (HA) ;)

I used this recipe for a nice, meaty ham bone I had left over from a Hillshire Farms spiral ham. It was very easy and delicious. I only had a large sweet potato on hand so used that instead of the potatoes and it really added a wonderful flavor. Also added an extra can of beans (pinto), a couple of bay leaves, some garlic powder, and a touch of Golden Sherry toward the end. Wonderful soup!

Excellent soup. I used crushed tomatoes instead and omitted the peppers and beans. This was still a great tasting soup and perfect for that left over ham! Thanks!

This is one of the easiest soup recipes I have ever tried. The family loved it and I now have another wintry night soup. Very hearty and tasty. Would highly recommend to friends.

For those who have burned out all the taste buds on very spicey recipies, this recipe is not for you....for those who want an excellent soup for those chilly fall and winter nights this is it. I doubled the recipe, and used one can of diced italian flavored tomatoes, and one can of the reg. type. I also added some chopped celery. The ham bone was quite meaty. This soup was so good I didn't even need to add any salt or pepper!! Jerri