Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 3/4 cup chopped parsnips or carrots
• 3/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 meaty ham bone from a ham, or a meaty ham shank (see recipe note)
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups cubed ham (if using a ham bone), 3/4-inch dice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• Salt to taste