Ham Bone Soup

All of my measurements are estimations. You can make as much or as little as you want to. Just adjust to your needs. I normally make enough for a family of 6 in a large pot.

Here's what you'll need:

One ham bone left over from a previous meal
3 Medium Sized Carrots - 2 grated and one chopped
2 Large Onions - roughly chopped
1-2 Stalks Celery - chopped
1-2 Cans Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup (optional)
Pasta Noodles Of Your Choice
White Or Brown Uncooked Rice (optional)
Garlic - to taste
Salt And Pepper - to taste

Fill the largest pot you have about 3/4 full with water and add the ham bone. Stir in all of the other ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally and add water as necessary.

You can experiment to see whether you like a thinner or thicker consistency.

Save your bones in the freezer until you decide to make the soup. The meatier the bone is, the more flavour your soup will have and as it cooks, the meat separates from the bone giving you a delicious meaty texture.

It's the grated carrot that gives the soup it's gorgeous orange/yellow color and adds to the flavour so it's important to grate the carrots.

Too much celery alters the taste so add it sparingly.

I personally like to add a can of chicken noodle soup. This is optional.

When adding noodles, add just enough to give substance to your soup but not too much to make it thick. I like to use shells or egg noodles but whatever you have in your pantry will work. That's the beauty of soup!

I also like to add a little rice. I throw in a handful (about 3/4 cup uncooked). Too much will again, make your soup too thick. This is also optional.

Serve with fresh bread and/or buns. It makes a great after school snack too. The kids love it when they get home from school and it smells wonderful!

Save any cooled, leftover soup in the fridge, it's even better the next day.

You can substitute the ham bone with bacon if you have to. About half a package should do it.

It's also really nice if done as a lentil soup. Just add soaked lentils instead of the rice and/or pasta.