After the gorging- or what to do with leftovers...

So you decide to cook a ham.

But there's only 2 of you.

Still it tastes SO  good and it's a holiday and something special is in order.  On the other hand what do you DO with all that leftover ham???

Of course there's always the traditional ham and eggs for breakfast  ... or  maybe a nice ham and cheese quiche, with a couple left over to freeze...

Or sandwiches, with lettuce and tomato.... or  Ham and bean soup... OR BOTH!

Yes.  I made some great white bean and ham soup!  I sort of winged it, but of course that's the beauty of soup.

My white bean and ham soup

2 (15.5 ounce-ish) jars great northern beans, rinsed and drained

2 medium carrots, grated

2 celery branches small dice

1 parsnip grated

1 small onion, chopped

1 potato small dice

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 1/4 cups chicken broth (homemade)

1 1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham

 salt & pepper

1 or 2 T green chili paste (or chopped green chilies in a jar or can- we like spicy so I added a smidge more.)

fresh chopped parsley

In a large saucepan, saute the carrots, celery, parsnip, potato and onion in butter. Stir in the chicken broth, ham, seasonings and the beans; bring to boil then simmer over medium-low heat about 1 hour. Add parsley the last 10 minutes before serving.  (of course you can totally do your beans from dried- soak over night and rinse and add to pot...)  This is VERY good.  It is also good for you.  (It's nice to eat something and feel all sanctimonious afterwards...)

~~~
and there is STILL a little bit of ham left.  (sigh)

Right.  Tomorrow it's Hoppin' John!! (black-eyed peas, ham and rice!) THAT should finish it off!

Do any of you have some good ideas of what to do with leftover ham??  I'd really love to hear!