Ham and Potato Soup

Name: Ham and Potato Soup
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