Quick and easy Ham and Bean Soup recipe is ready in 15 minutes. Loaded with cannellini or navy bean with tender leftover ham in every bite!
Ham and Bean Soup recipe is a fast and filling delicious weeknight dinner that smells heavenly. Perfect if you have any ham leftover from Christmas dinner!
HAM AND BEAN SOUP
If you’re anything like me and have no idea what to do with leftover ham except grilled cheese, then this soup is for you. Most ham and bean soup recipes take anywhere from 6-8 hours to cook, all from scratch. As delicious as they all sound, I found myself staring at my ham just an hour before dinner with nothing else on offer in the house.
Enter 15 minute ham and bean soup.
This soup is to die for… even better when you need something FAST, comforting, hearty AND FILLING!
LEFTOVER HAM RECIPE
If you don’t have any leftover ham but you really want to try this, you can buy cooked ham (you’ll need about 10 oz or 300 g) from your deli or grocery store.
HOW DO YOU MAKE HAM AND BEAN SOUP?
This Ham and Bean Soup recipe is so easy and ready in a pinch without much to it at all.
You’re going to start with a Soffritto (sautéing onion, carrots and celery), like we did here in this creamy ham and potato soup. Cook until soft, then sauté the garlic.
The ham is added and fried in all of those flavours before the stock is poured in. Then bring to a boil.
Stir in the beans along with the liquid from the can. Since we are using the liquid, try to find canned beans that have no added salt so you have better control over how much salt goes in. Why are we adding in the liquid? Because we are cheating! We haven’t cooked the beans in our broth for hours, so we need to replace some of that liquid.
Taste test and season with salt in the last minute of cooking. You want to make sure you’re seasoning your Ham and Bean Soup with the perfect amounts of salt to suit your tastes.
WHAT BEANS DO YOU USE FOR HAM AND BEAN SOUP?
Cannellini beans are white Italian kidney beans, which is what we have used in this Ham and Bean Soup. You can also use great northern beans or navy beans.
OPTIONAL ADDITIONS:
You can add in other veggies, like spinach, kale, zucchini, shredded cabbage or frozen peas.
If you’d like to add in potatoes, sweet potatoes or pumpkin, you will need to simmer the Ham Bean Soup for about 5-10 minutes longer, until fork tender.
LOOKING FOR MORE SOUP RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
Butternut Squash Soup
Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE TO CAFE DELITES NEWSLETTER FOR FREE AND RECEIVE FRESH RECIPE NOTIFICATIONS DELIVERED INTO YOUR INBOX!
If you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #cafedelites on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured! FOLLOW CAFE DELITES ON FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER FOR ALL OF THE LATEST CONTENT, RECIPES AND UPDATES.
Ham Bean Soup ready in 15 minutes is my kind of soup! A delicious and filling weeknight dinner that smells heavenly. Loaded with cannellini or navy bean and tender leftover ham in every bite!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 1 large carrot peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups shredded cooked ham
- 1 quart (1 litre) chicken stock or broth (you can use beef)
- 2 bay leaves (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 4 (15 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini beans) -- no salt added, keep the liquid
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of salt, if needed
-
In a large pot or saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook until onions are softened (5 minutes). Sauté the garlic until fragrant (30 seconds - 1 minute).
-
Add the ham and cook for a further 2 minutes, then pour in the stock. Add the bay leaves (or thyme) and parsley. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to combine all of the flavours together.
-
Stir in the beans along with the liquid from the can and season with pepper. Let simmer for 2 minutes, taste test and season with salt if needed.
-
Serve warm.
HAM BROTH FOR HAM SOUP USING LEFTOVER HAM BONE:
- Simmer the ham bone in a stock pot filled with enough water to cover the bone halfway (about 2 quarts/litres, depending on size of bone).
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover with a lid and let simmer until very fragrant (about 1 hour).
- Discard hambone
- Replace the chicken stock with your ham broth.
© 2017 CAFE DELITES. All rights reserved. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to share this recipe, please provide a link back to this post for the original recipe.
Karen says
My husband and I spent a quiet Christmas at home together with lovely music, some wine and a delicious butternut squash lasagna. The only thing missing was some snow.
Angie Urbina says
I hosted Christmas for my family this year (again). My Marine son was able to come home, my college daughter, and my youngest, my husband and 3 sisters and their families. We served tamales, turkey, ham, brisket, and ribs. It was a wonderful feast on Christmas Eve.
Joan says
Christmas morning packed up car (with all the Loverly cookies from you site ) and gifts,then head to our sons for for Christmas and Boxing Day with his family and our daughters family,had a wonderful time
Sally C says
Our Christmas was spread over four days spending lots of time with family. We made our sugar cookie cut outs on Saturday to share with everyone. We enjoyed a ham and ravioli lunch with my dad‘s family on Sunday. On Monday we went to mass and then had our traditional pasta with walnuts for dinner. Something my husband grew up with in Italy. Tuesday morning we opened gifts and Tuesday evening we had a great prime rib dinner with all the fixings. Can’t wait to make this ham soup with my leftover ham!
Mary Wehler says
We spent our Christmas with our family in our hometown. My sister and I cooked together for the whole family and we had a great time around the table. We do exchange gifts but the time around the table enjoying the wonderful food and remembering the family members who are no longer with us to enjoy the festivities is what is most important to me. It’s worth the 18 hours on the road to get there!
Denise McLeod says
The first time in 35 years I have had five consecutive days off, as I work two jobs, and still do! I had all shopped and wrapped by the middle of December (never before), and I baked the weekend before Christmas (that has been hit or miss). I was so relaxed and rested to really enjoy my family during the holidays (missing mom for the second Christmas). The weekend for New Year’s Day, I will be making the ham and bean soup which is another family tradition. Happy New Year’s to you and your family!
Jenn says
My Christmas was spent with family and friends enjoying the spirit of this magical holiday.
Julieann Newill says
This Ham & Bean Soup recipe tasted so much like my grandmother’s version. My family enjoyed it a lot!
Karina says
I’m so happy to hear that Julieann!
Kristina Edmark-Cargill says
The simplicity of our Christmas was what I had hoped for. With all the chaos of this year, it was wonderful to have the quiet of the day unfold with Christmas carols playing, a fire bringing warmth, a breakfast casserole in the oven and my family together opening presents and enjoying each other’s company.
Kay Hutchinson says
I had an amazing Christmas Day. I had breakfast of cinnamon raisin bagels and a homemade chai latte with my life partner. Then I traveled 100km and had second breakfast of homemade egg and bacon muffins with my beautiful daughter and son in law and their 4 children. After breakfast gifts and preparing the children for their day I traveled to my BFFs house for an amazing 4 course smorgasbord traditional lunch with her family. Finally I got into the car again and drove it off town to my parents home where we had a cold tea of beef, turkey, prawns, salads and eggnog all topped off with pudding, custard and icecream. Best Xmas ever: 4 meals at 4 different places all different with people who I love and who love me…Food, Friends, Family, Festive and Fantastic!!!
Edward Pluhar says
Had a wonderful Christmas with my wife, two sons, and two of the most wonderful women any parents will love to see become part of our family soon. We spent the evening with dinner and opening gifts laughing and enjoying the company of our family – what else could any parents ask for. . .
Lia Ducedre says
Love bean soup…love your recipes.
Thank you, my family thinks I am an amazing in the kitchen
Catherine Rivera says
Spent Christmas cooking and celebrating with family. Had a lovely day. Tried your Churro Nutella Christmas tree pastry for the first time and it was a success. Hope your family enjoyed the holidays as well.
Shirley McKinney says
We had a great family day! Our morning was spent with our children and grandchildren for brunch and gifts. Then our afternoon was spent with brothers, sisters, all of our children, grandchildren, gifts and dinner. It was a busy, noisy day but wonderful!
Rosemary O'Connor says
Haven’t been able to make any of your yummy recipes since Thanksgiving because a kitchen water pipe broke while we were sleeping, flooding the kitchen, part of dining room and lower level of our split- level home. Kitchen has only a microwave, no other appliances or lower cabinets. We spent Christmas alone with the dog but looked forward to going to our daughter’s on Boxing Day to celebrate with her returning children. So blessed !!
Destiny says
My Christmas Day was spent celebrating my daughter being able to walk on her own. The previous day she was rushed to the hospital because she woke up unable to walk and had to be carried to the hospital. My seven yr old is now on her way to recovery.
Shannon Rowley says
Spent Christmas with great friends and had great food, I was grateful for the friends when we’re so far away from Family on the holidays.
Lisa LeClair says
We spent Christmas Eve enjoying a nice king crab legs dinner with my Daughter and friends opened a few gifts, and then on Christmas we had more friends and family and had a ham that I am going to use the leftovers to make this soup.
Veronica says
Hi Karina!
I spent my Christmas at home with my son and it was the most relaxing and heart-filled Christmas we have had in a very long time. I moved to a city where I have a few friends but no family close by and I normally spend the holidays driving home, seeing family, going to everyone’s home and then taking the long drive back home, usually within a day or so turnaround. I decided this year I wanted to spend the holidays at home, showing my son that Christmas is where the heart is, not where you are on that day. We opened gifts, had breakfast, and lounged around later watching Christmas movies and eating popcorn. He was happy so I was happy. Hope you had a wonderful holiday as well.
Pamela Luckey says
My husband & I went to my Mom’s house for lunch where we were joined by our daughter & son-in-law. We opened our gifts and ate dinner! In between we snacked on homemade Christmas cookies, then after dinner we had chocolate eclairs for dessert. A whole lot of eating going on!
Ramona Robuck says
Can’t wait to make ham & bean soup. I have a large family & this will fill us up on New Years Eve!
Cherie says
Ham & Beans is always good for warming up on a chilly holiday. We don’t celebrate Christmas with our family until New Years Day so that they can spend Christmas Eve and Day with their other families. This year we’re having a nice soup, salad and homemade bread luncheon topped off with all the leftover sweets from gift baskets we gave out to friends/neighbors/colleagues. Hope you all had a warm and wonderful Christmas – and have a safe and Happy New Year !!
Marlene says
We had a wonderful day with our family (all 17 of them) Our oldest daughter and son-in-law live in Ecuador so we don’t get to see them often. We missed them. Lots of food and leftovers. Looking forward to making your Ham and Bacon Soup. One of our grandsons took a large tin of leftover sweets to work just so we could get them out of our reach. Love you blog and recipes. Keep ’em comin’. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
Karina says
Thanks Marlene! Happy holidays!
Bernice says
Good evening everyone! I spent Christmas with my family. It was great seeing the expression on the kids as they opened up their gifts.
Serena says
I spent Christmas with my husband and two Yorkies at our home in Florida. For breakfast we had your Christmas Star Bread, which I had made on Christmas Eve and was not sure it was going to be worth the effort. Boy was I wrong!!! Not only was it beautiful (after I baked it) but it was out of this world delicious! For dinner we had a lamb ragout over fresh parpadelle and broccoli rabe- also delicious! Other than cooking, we exercised and took our Yorkies for a mile walk. We spoke to lots of family and that was about it. a quiet , but wonderful Christmas.
Debbie Hale says
Thank you for the recipes. I spent Christmas with my family. It was beautiful. Each year more special as every one gets older…and we realize how precious life is. I hope you had a Merry Christmas as well. Than you.
Frank says
Plenty of left over ham to try this.
Wife and I were home alone with the critters.
Linda Johnson says
Drove 2-1/2 hours to my sister’s (Hubby drove, I read “Crazy Rich Asians”). Had dinner with all siblings except one and two nieces and my mom. A lot of food, a lot of exchanging photos with others. I’m always looking for new and good soup recipes.
Sherry Stephens says
Spent Christmas with my son and grown grandchildren. Was quiet buy lovely. Can’t wait to try the ham and bean soup!
Bridget says
3 out of 4 of our immediate family members were sick on Christmas. We are very thankful it was not the flu. That being said, we had a very quiet Christmas Day and “visited” everyone by phone, so we would not share our germs. As soon as I am feeling better, I plan on making this soup with leftover ham (from the ham I haven’t baked yet, either). Thank you for hosting this giveaway.
Michael Murray says
Going thru a divorce and some of the kids were home so I cooked a ham, green bean casserole, corn on the cob and a pecan pie.
Wendy Jo Jacklin says
I spent Christmas this year with my daughter and three grandkids. Normally, my significant other of the last twelve years would make a prime rib with all the fixings, but he unexpectedly passed away on the 9th of December from pneumonia and sepsis. This was not a happy holiday for me. My family tried to make the day good for me, but I’m afraid not enough time has passed.
Brenda Prade says
Spent Christmas with my kids and grandkids. Lots of food, presents and fun was had.
Maribeth Angat says
A quiet Christmas with the kids. Cooked pasta and shanghai rolls for Christmas Eve dinner. It’s one time of the year that all members of the family are present so we just made the best of it. Love.
Lynn Hotle says
We spent Christmas with our children and extended family in the beautiful Northeast Georgia mountains. Our family has a new member, my grandson who was born in September. His big brother who is two years old really enjoyed this Christmas opening his toy train present and other assorted goodies.
Family togetherness is what Christmas is all about, eating good food and sharing family stories.
I am thankful for Cafe Delight recipes that helped produce great side dishes for our Christmas meal.
Bradey Turner says
We spent our first Christmas in Colorado with lots of food, drinks and new toys.
Niki bryant says
Spent Christmas cooking, eating and hanging out with the family 😁🎅🏼🤶🏻
Rebecca says
Spent Christmas with family and eating too much.
Rose says
Making this today since I have a leftover ham bone from Christmas dinner.
Spent Christmas eating too much and visiting with family.
Keith Edwards says
Today in Cape Town it was raining and normally in winter we have souo. I decided ti try the soup adding a few if my own and really enjoyed it. Its quick easy and yummy
judy Anderson says
This Christmas was special because I have some health issues with me it is been hard to spend time with my family
For the first time in about five years I was actually able to go to my daughters house early to watch my grandson open his gifts and to help my daughter at the Christmas meal
And I was actually able to provide some nice presents to my children which I haven’t been able to do for a while either
To make Christmas is all about watching my children and grandchildren opening their gifts and seeing expressions and smiles on their face puts so much joy in my heart
Thank you for the recipes I enjoyed them very much
Thank you and I hope your holidays were wonderful as well
Sara says
Christmas is a day of quiet and tranquility with two older children. I got up and took my oldest to the 4-H barn so he could feed their goats. We got home and cleaned up so we could go 3/10 mile to my parents’ house for breakfast. Tater tot casserole is the best! We opened presents and my boys stayed to help my Dad with the removal of a berry bush on the side of the house.
My boyfriend stopped by with my now matching memory foam pillow, as I have a memory foam mattress.
I started cooking our main course for dinner – Standing Rib Roast. Yummy! I seasoned this one with some ground ginger (as everyone is sick with some type of allergy and/or cold), pink salt (tastes better than normal table salt), ground black pepper and dried thyme. I started it out slow at 200 degrees and let it cook for 5 hrs before increasing the temperature to 450 degrees for searing. If I could post a picture, you would see it was “picture perfect” inside and out. It was also very yummy with baked potato and salad.
My normal day is never quiet, so this was perfect for me to unwind and have a great meal with my boys!
Jo Grodsky says
Our family shared a tasty breakfast casserole made by my sister, followed by opening presents in the living room with a view of her beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Lots of hot cocoa and coffee consumer. Family is everything!
diane says
Love ham and navy bean soup. Usually make it the long process; glad to see this recipies. 15 minute…WOW!
Danielle S Barnes says
Spent Christmas with my wonderful daughters 13 and 18 years of age. It was especially great because this was the first real break my 18 year old was able to be home from college and as an athlete she has to go back early so we really enjoyed our time.
Cairine says
We had a quiet Christmas. Had my mother in law over and when we took her home we drove around a little to see the lights. Now I have leftover turkey to eat. Will check your recipes to see what I can do about that. Hope you’ve had a great Christmas and are looking forward to a healthy, happy new year.
Maureen says
I spent the Christmas holidays with my boyfriend and his family
Donna says
My husband and I spent a quiet Christmas in our new home in Arizona. Moved recently from snowy Oregon to sunny and warm Arizona. We are thoroughly enjoying your recipes.
Laura Hannigan says
I spent my Christmas working 12 hours in a hospital. Hospitals never close, so I spent Christmas with my work family. Even though we were working, we enjoyed each other’s company, and had a nice holiday helping those that were sick, and that needed our help.
Ashley says
Thank you for posting this! I wasn’t sure how to enter the original ones so at least now I’ve got a shot!
Christmas was busy but a wonderful day! I went to my bfs parent for breakfast. It was a lovely time with family. Everyone brought their dogs over as well which made it even more fun as we got to spend time with all of our fur babies as well! The second stop was dinner at my best friends house. She and I usually try recipies that we find together so we made dinner and baked up a storm for her kids and family. The night ended with quality time between my bf and I. Just relaxing and watching a movie. As I mentioned, busy! But so worth it seeing everyone and spending quality time together before we have to go back to work!
Hope everyone is having wonderful holidays with their families and loved ones!
Andrea L Lien says
Was able to spend Christmas Eve and Day with my family at my daughter’s house. I didn’t have to cook Christmas Eve. Christmas Day I brought over mashed potatoes and gravy and roasted carrots. AND I didn’t have to clean up either day! Woo-hoo! We all had a great time together. Looking forward to the turkey soup.
Lisa Cox says
We spent Christmas day visiting a nephew in the hospital post surgery, then ate a late Christmas dinner. Spent the next day in the hospital with my husband with a kidney stone. Not an ideal Christmas break but at least we have vacation days to heal.
Debby Nye says
Spent a wonderful day with my parents and my sisters and their families. We always try to get as many together as possible during the holidays. It is what makes the best memories!!
Vanessa says
While I was cooking and cleaning and watching my 4 year old, my husband and three sons each stayed in their own rooms playing video games. I ate Christmas dinner alone. It was by far the worst Christmas ever. Next year I’ll lock up their electronice for the entire Christmas break.
Barb Cook says
We spent the morning playing with the dog and all his new toys then I spent what felt like the rest of the day in the kitchen! But it was a good day.
Linda Keigwin says
Since my 81 year old Mother is in the hospital this Christmas, I spent my Christmas day teaching her how to facetime me on her phone. It was a blessing to spend time with her even though she is hundreds of miles away. BTW, she is a bean soup fanatic!! I’ll make this for her as soon as she is out of the hospital.
Martha says
Hi Karina,
I was able to spend Christmas Day with both my daughters home on J term. We had a Lupper of Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken (slight change of your Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken) and it was excellent!!!! So moist! We added Cauliflower Gnocchi, and sautéed Shredded Brussel Sprouts with Lemon Vinegrette and roasted hazel nuts with Parmesan cheese. Pumpkin and Apple pie topped it all off. Thank you for wonderful and doable recipes!!
Teresa Johnson says
Love ham in beans. I spent my Christmas with my family. Great time praising our Lord. God bless.
LizG says
Spent Christmas with friends at the casino that had a great buffet.
Josephine Perrucci says
Hello all!
I spent Christmas with my 2 girls, ages 21 months and 3 1/2 years old. We played with toys and watched Christmas movies all day :). We weren’t feeling all that great so it was low key but we had fun.
Tammy says
My two sons and granddaughters spent the night on Christmas Eve and it was so much fun! We played games, danced and sang Karaoke. I cooked Pork Ribs, Yellow Rice, Chicken Pasta Alfredo, Tricolor Pasta Salad, Buttered Corn and Garlic Bread. For dessert, it was Frosted Brownies and Glazed Sugar Cookies. On Christmas morning it was Overnight Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting and I also made your Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Mini Marshmallows which by the way was AHH-MA-ZING! Everyones loved it!! Thanks so much for sharing your delicious tried and true recipes!!
Rand says
Pot-luck, community Christmas dinner at the lodge for twenty boon-dockers. (Hint – winter travelers) Both turkey and ham, self-served, with a dozen extras including cranberries steeped in liquor for extra effect. Music, wine and plenty of gossip and tales of years long past. Wonderful evening. Volunteers did all the cooking and cleaning up after. No pets, no kids. Fun.
Rae Snyder says
We celebrated Christmas Eve as my husband who works with children with cancer in the hospital, had to work Christmas day. On the eve we went to Disneyland with my adult daughter and her husband for a few hours, opened gifts afterwards and had dinner. It was perfect!
Tarn A says
I spent the holiday celebrating with family. It was a year of firsts for us! My nephew’s first Christmas, my first year as a teacher, I got engaged. It has been an amazing year and this Christmas was a celebration of it all!
Anna Panas says
Spent the dAy taking care of my Husband who seemed to have contracted the flu- not too productive if a Holiday!
Anne Pik says
I had a fabulous time visiting my children & grandchildren who live 5 hours away from me then spent Christmas Day with my brother & SIL, my mother & her husband. It was great!
Debra Soudipour says
Spent the morning with my kids starting with a big breakfast and then onto stocking and gift opening 🙂 Midday we went to the movies and then came home to celebrate my daughters birthday with Persian food her birthday choice.
Sarah says
For Christmas, we are going to meet family at the Great Wolf Lodge. Should be fun for everyone.
Jen says
Christmas eve we went to my Aunt’s house for our family get together, we had an excellent dinner of ham & prime rib with all the fixings and our white elephant gift exchange. Christmas day those of us that don’t have other family christmas’ to go to i.e. in-laws or the like, go to dinner at our local hibachi & sushi restaurant and have a great time then over to my cousin’s house for a game night. It’s all wonderfully relaxing time spent with family. I look forward to it very much every year!
Carleen Jacobs says
Had a great time with my granddaughters
Kim H says
We spent Christmas eve at my sister’s house with all the extended family. Then a quiet Christmas day at home with our kids and grand-chrildren.
Roni says
We spent our Christmas with family and friends at my brother-in-laws! It was nice to spend with family!
Bonnie Bloom says
Our son and family spent Christmas at the in laws while my husband of 47 year and I enjoyed a quite time. We missed our family terribly but did FaceTime with them for almost an hour. We spent the day taking our greyhound for a walk on the beach then coming home and cooking a roast while we watched Christmas movies. I would have loved to have family here but we had a nice time just being together.
Margaret Zeran says
My 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren were all here for a dinner/present opening event. It means so much to me to have the family together on holidays as I think it re-enforces the importance of family in these days when it is so uncommon. I am trying hard to impress upon my Grandchildren that family is always on your side. If you have a hard time that is who you can count on. Friends are wonderful and helpful but family is always there.
CLAYNETTE M RAMSEY says
Just wanted to wish all of you who take part in getting these great recipes out to us, a wonderful New 2019!
My Christmas morning started with gifts for my cats, and a special treat. Santa delivering gifts to my neighbors, got ready, went to visit my husband @ Riverside National Cemetery, left and went to visit family and friends, gave, and received and opened gifts, Dinner was turkey, ham, stuffing, creamed corn, macaroni & cheese, green beans, yeast rolls, punch, dessert was sweet potato pie and other goodies. “ALL” homemade!
Some relatives came in from Georgia, such a wonderful time, but especially the joy of watching children open their gifts.
Laurie says
Look how many comments!
We shared a lovely intimate Christmas Eve and Christmas with family. We are empty nesters and the extended families have gotten quite large, so, we did something different this year. We usually have all my sisters and their offspring along with my mom for a get together at my or one of my sister’s homes. The nieces and nephews are all married with kids of their own and in-laws to visit. It is difficult to make it work, so we had just the sisters and their husbands and my mom over on Sunday. We sat around and visited for hours on end and ate a wonderful prime rib, mashed yukon potatoes and asparagus. It was wonderful! Then we went to my amazing daughter’s house on Christmas day and had another wonderful meal, played games and possibly had a little too much wine.
Margaret Larson says
My husband is retired Navy so when we started our family here, it’s only been us and our 2 children. All our families are back in Wyoming and the roads are always closed for us to get back to spend the holiday with them. We make the best of our Christmas’s alone with each other.
PS I absolutely LOVE your easy recipes. I’m not a cook but I can follow them and the ingredients! Thank you.
Thomas Fowler says
I have made Congressional Bean Soup, that is served daily in the Congressional cafeteria, with Virginia Ham Bones and the Virginia Ham. It just adds wonderful flavor, Smokey. Sorrel is added as a flavor as well in that soup. It is very hard to come by here unless you grow it yourself. But it is my favorite soup. They add mashed potatoes to thicken the soup at the very end of the process of making it. YES, it does take 8 hours to cook or more. Thank you for the slow crock pots. If in a hurry, I will use ‘Idahoian’ powdered potatoes. I spent my Christmas helping at the Samaritan House cooking, serving and washing dishes for the Homeless.
Donna O'Keefe says
Hi Karina,
I made a ham this year for Christmas Eve and can’t wait to try this soup with it!
This Christmas Eve my husband played Santa for our 3 yr old grandson and our 9 month old granddaughter along with some family friends that never got to experience Santa at a home gathering and it was quite special! We had wonderful apps and great wine but someone forgot to turn the oven on for the ham so we ate very late (9:00) but I have to say it was the best ham ever! Next day we watched the grandchildren open presents and went to my other daughters house for Christmas brunch then again to our house for Christmas dinner. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas too!
Debbie says
Spent Christmas with our daughters, sons in love, five precious grandchildren and family. Blessed to be all together
Paul Ackerman says
We had our traditional Christmas at my brothers house here in California. But what made this Christmas extra special was as we were siting at the table, the front door opens and in walks my son and his girl friend all the way from Chicago. They drove out here for Christmas for the first time in three years. What a wonderful surprise for his mom and me.
Karen says
We spent time with family! We hosted an amazing dinner on Christmas Eve with my husbands famiky. After church on Christmas Day we went to my parents house and celebrated with my extended family. It was a beautiful couple of days. Thank you for your website and meal plans. Happy New Year!
Suzette Khatoonabadi says
I spent my Christmas Eve with my granddaughter. Its so fun to spend the day with her. She is always so excited about everything. We walked a neighborhood of Christmas Lights and just enjoyed the Christmas Spirit.
Nancy Dolan says
Thank you for having this site. I have made many of your dinners and they are always soooo good. We spent Christmas Eve at a friends house with great food, company and the kids running around. Christmas day my husband and I went to my daughters house to watch my 2 1/2 year old grandson open his presents. This is the first year he kind of understood the holiday and it was fun watching his joyous expression as he opened each gift. AND we made a spiral ham so this recipe is perfect for the leftovers!!!! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and have a happy and healthy New Year.
Marie says
Thank you for all the wonderful recipes that you share. Christmas this year was very tearful. I spent the day with my mother who has dementia and congested heart failure, that we had to put in assisted living just before Thanksgiving. Each day is different with her and I wish I could say she remembers opening her presents. Holidays will never be the same. I do hope your Christmas was a merry one and your New Year even better.
Joe Lewis says
I spent my Christmas using the 2 gift cards that my friends generously gave me. I bought some much needed shirts online. Thank you everybody. I’m really loving the gifts. Merry Christmas everyone.
Linda Hoagland says
Just put the Ham and Bean Soup ingredients into the crockpot as we all bundle up and head to the snow park! Our family is all together in a mountain cabin near Yosemite, so when we get home tired and cold, the soup with french bread will be such a welcome treat. God bless you all, Merry Christmas
[email protected] says
Hi! Karina: Christmas 2018 for our family was quiet and relaxing … opening presents, cooking, comforting lunch, and then other family stopping by in the afternoon.
BTW: Love your recipes and looking forward to trying the Ham & Bean soup!
Kristil says
I spent Christmas with my immediate family. This soup will be great with our leftover ham.
Patty says
A very quiet Christmas. No immediate family near. Sent E-cards to loved ones and friends to have a Merry Christmas and a blessed, prosperous New Year. Always look at my FB page to see Cafe Delites recipes, and this ham and bean recipe looks scrumptious. I have the beans and I will be making this. Tried to find a movie “On Demand,” none I liked, so I watched ID (Investigative Discovery) channel. I pray we all have a blessed holiday season and a Happy New Year.
doreen gross says
This was the first Christmas we spent with only our immediate family. It was lovely and fun! We played board games, cards, watched the kids open gifts, ate appetizers all night, talked and watched “White Christmas”.
Lauraa says
Great way to use my leftover ham.
Tina S. says
First and foremost, I just LOVE your recipes!! I spent Christmas SICK. 🙁
It turned out to be okay as we didn’t have a whole lot planned anyway. The grandkids were with their other grandparents so at least I didnt share my illness with them!
Tanya Bishop says
First of all… wow to the ham and bean soup! This is definitely dinner tonight. Also thank you for all the delicious and well written recipes!
This Christmas was quiet but lovely. Just hubby and I. It’s an emotional time for us and I just wanted to make sure that this Christmas was very special. Hospice starts for him January 3rd. This was our last Christmas together. I cooked all his favorites. We mostly sat together holding hands while watching our favorite Christmas movies and reminiscing our marriage, our courtship days, and how we met. We had both volunteered at the literacy council because it means a great deal to both of us to help people learn to read, or improve their reading skills. I especially thought of parents who needed help and a boost of encouragement to be able to read to their children and be able to help them with their homework. It helps the dignity of a person overall and especially in front of their children. Better reading skills also opens the door for better opportunities in life. We also taught ESL.
We met at the orientation. There was immediate attraction, then dating, then actual old fashioned courtship, then marriage. This is a second marriage for both of us.
Anyway, Christmas was kind of bittersweet but lovely. It’s one I will cherish always. ❤️
Miriam Garrett says
My family spent the morning together opening our stockings and enjoying a yummy breakfast strata and homemade cinnamon rolls. We opened gifts and laughed and talked in the afternoon. My father cooked a delicious beef tenderloin, I prepared two casseroles and a salad and my daughter made her great grandfathers pecan pie. We packed it all up and headed down the street to our neighbor’s for a wonderful dinner with extended family and friends.
Carrie says
I love Ham and Bean soup, and I will be making this with our left over Christmas ham that we shared with our family in a quiet little celebration of the Day.
Martine Eon says
FaceTime unwrapped presents with my son and daughter in law. Laid back day! Made soup (ironically) for dinner!
Jenn says
I spent Christmas with my husband watching our furry friends open their gifts and took hundreds of pictures 🙂
Stephanie Schiltz says
My husband, our adult daughter, and myself spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my son and dil and 3 grandchildren, which has become our Christmas tradition. It’s noisy, hectic, and totally mass confusion but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Fun, fun, fun! Filled with many hugs, koolaid ASR’s and much laughter, what more could we ask for?
LaNette McIntosh says
This Christmas my husband and I spent the day visiting with friends and family. After all that is what this holiday should be about. You can give or receive a gift any day but taking time to stop your daily routine and just enjoy and cherish the time we spend together is the best gift of all. We enjoyed a honey baked ham dinner and homemade pies. Merry Christmas!
Lexi G. says
My Christmas was spent exactly how I had hoped it would be. Christmas morning was at my dad’s house, where we did breakfast and gifts with my parents, their significant others, and my three sisters.
Then after a quick stop at home, we were off to my sister in law’s house for Christmas afternoon and dinner with my husband’s side of the family. We got to teach our niece how to bowl (she might need a little more practice!), took part in some of their classic Christmas traditions (minced pies and brandy butter, anyone??) and made some wonderful new memories to look back on.
My husband and I have well been past the age where Christmas was about gifts, and now look forward to this time of year as one to spend time with those who matter the most to us.
Ginger Gray says
I had a lovely Christmas dinner with my daughter and grandson. We decided to have a nice ham in order to make some great soup with leftovers (providing there would be any, my grandson loves ham). Just need to decide which of these great soups to make or maybe there will be enough to cook up both ham soups, potato and bean.
Lisa Bulls says
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
9:57 AM
On Tuesday, June 5th of this year, my life of 48 years would be changed forever. The day before I was a full-time law student attending summer school. As a non-traditional, career changer, I had a chance to live a dream deferred by attending law school. Earlier that day, I would travel with my husband and youngest daughter to move our oldest daughter. It was a particularly warm day to be early June and not officially summer. The girls and I were singing at the top of our lungs and dancing in the car- it was a great day. However, by 10:00 pm that night we’d be in the ER where I presented with chest pains, incoherent, and a blood pressure of 220 over 100+. Did I mention I’m 48 years young? I’m about 5’2″ and petite. I’d never imagine in a million years I’d be having a heart attack. Four days later, I was discharged and diagnosed with a myocardial infarction- a very fancy medical term for a heart attack. Undoubtedly my life would be changed forever. So for me the last 6 months have been a time of self-reflections, being present in the moment, and grateful for life. This Christmas was spent surrounded by family, laughter, and lots of food. Very early Christmas morning I awoke again with thoughts of gratitude. Although what I experienced was scary and something I never want to experience again, it was a blessing. My life was spared. My eyes were opened to seeing life a new way, a calmer way, a more peaceful way, a more gracious way. I had been given a little more time on this Earth to do better, to be better, to love harder, to laugh more, to hug longer, to say ‘I love you’ more. This Christmas was spent being present! And for that I’m most thankful.
P.S. Soooo looking forward to trying the Ham and Potato Soup and the Ham and Beans soup!! 🙂
Catherine Moore says
I spent Christmas day at my brother’s house with his children, my mother, daughter, and my 2 grandgirls. 2nd Christmas without our dad. He passed away in September, 2017. But all in all, it was a good day. I made Angel biscuits, which were a hit with everyone. Should have brought some of the ham so I could make this soup!
Bill Hampton says
We spent Christmas here at home, with extended family and (almost) all of our kids. Lots of board games, puzzles, and other great indoor winter activities.
Erin C says
On Christmas Day, my family and I enjoyed a lovely breakfast featuring my mom’s famous homemade cream cheese bread. Then we headed to a morning church service. After, we opened presents and prepared a few vegetable side dishes to bring to a Christmas dinner we were invited to. We all had a lovely time and played fun games like Uno!
Del says
This year I spent a nice, cozy Christmas with my wonderful partner and kitten. I made us a nice Christmas dinner (arugula cranberry goat cheese salad, ham, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, grilled veggies and and a chocolate cake for dessert), exchanged gifts and watched an interesting documentary. I’m definitely going to be using the left over ham for this mouth watering recipe! Can’t wait!
Nancy says
I had the flu 😷! Luckily I had roasted a chicken the day before (with mashed potatoes and gravy) so my family was able to enjoy some leftovers. We had to cancel a fun hike at a beautiful state park. Oh well. Maybe next year.
Kelly Campbell says
My Christmas this year, was spent with family! A fun filled day, with good company, lots of laughs, great food and lots of memories!! Looking forward to seeing what 2019 has in store for us!!
Paula Baile says
We had a very low key day….our adult children couldn’t be with us😩
Don Kraps says
I spent Christmas giving people Safe Rides to where ever they needed to go! No DUI’s for the holidays!
And let me tell you, I was super busy! Looking forward to one of your great soups. I give all your recepies 5 stars!
Delilah says
We spent it with our kids, Grndkids and our new granddaughter in law. It was a wonderful day. We had a roast with all the fixings (I’m not a ham fan). I baked cookies and made candy ahead of time.
Scott Tunnicliffe says
Spent Christmas with the newest grandchild and facetimed with the other grandkids who live across the country.
Christine says
Had a wonderful Christmas hosting family and friends! We greatly enjoyed our three year grandson!! What a beautiful day! Thank you for all your wonderful recipes! Please keep them coming!!
Linda Sartorius says
I spent Christmas with my husband and son and then later with family visiting. It was a beautiful and blessed Christmas. Missing my beautiful daughter who couldn’t be with us.
Thank you for all the delicious recipes you provide. I have tried and loved many of them.
John Sparks says
Spent most of the day cooking and preparing Christmas dinner. Tried a duck this year and that will be the last time. I do that! I cooked it according to the recipe I had for Roast Duck and it all went well until we sat down to eat. Tough is not a strong enough word to describe it! !!!!!! Shoe leather!!!!!
Scott Tunnicliffe says
Spent Christmas with the newest grandchild and facetimed with the other grandkids who live across the country. Then napped…
Tina Conner-Wade says
Hello Karina,
My family spent the holidays at our beach home in Galveston, Texas. We are non traditional in our food choices. Every year I cook a seafood gumbo, grilled snow crab legs and sourdough bread shaped like a crab. We play yard games and just catch up on our busy lives. We laugh a lot, drink a lot and enjoy every second together!
Kristie K Gray says
We had a relaxing Christmas with my dad…eating lots of yummy food and playing games. 😁
Scott Tunnicliffe says
Spent Christmas with our newest grandchild and facetimed with the ones on the other side of the country. Then napped!!
Art says
We spend our great Christmas with our oldest and her family and our y
Lisa Davis says
We were blessed to spend Christmas day with my 90year old father in law. .Baked ham, scalloped potatoes and green bean casserole were on the menu.
Paula Anderson says
We spent Christmas at my parents home. I love watching my 9 year old daughter hang out with them. It is like watching a replay of my childhood. I soaked in every minute of the day. May you all be blessed as we come into the new year.
Linda Huntley says
I spent Christmas at home. Daughter visited. Talked with son who is away off and on all day.
Chante Estrada says
Hello Karina, I spent my Christmas with Family! Best time of the year and I had the privilege to be able to spend it with most of my loved ones! Made lots of food and just had a great time watching the kids open their gifts and just to see everyone together. Hope you had a wonderful Holiday!
Kathy Day says
I celebrated Christmas with my family at my 92 year old mother’s home where she prepared most of the meal! She is amazing and I am so grateful to be able to share this special time of the year with her! Merry Christmas to all!!!🎅🎄♥️
Dianne Helms says
Had a wonderful Christmas Eve celebration with family and friends at our house. On Christmas morning had brunch with family then later Christmas dinner at nephew ‘s home.
Very full two days.
Angel Trammell says
Hello Karina,
I spent Dec 25th alone. I cooked what I had in my freezer which was frozen fish and fries. My mom decided to ask my husband and I to leave the day before Christmas so she could move her boyfriend in. I spent all of my Christmas money on moving in the blistering cold. I do wish everyone a happy warm holiday with your families.
dave says
This year as with others, my family and in laws comes to my place for dinner, games, gifts.and Oh yeah and FOOD. This year in laws brought some food ( not GF) and all went well.
I hope to make this ham and bean soup asap.
Amelia Brady says
My family made appetizers, the stuffed mushrooms are the BOMB (rave reviews) and we called our son serving in the USAF in Okinawa on our new FB Portal. This is his first time away and the family and food made it easier. Planning to make this soup with the ham. Looks delicious.
Randee Downey says
We spent this Christmas cuddles up in new bath robes eating yummy food and playing games .
Gloria Perez says
Spent a quiet Christmas with my husband and daughter.
Susan says
My husband and I spent a quiet day and relaxed!! It was wonderful!! So I made s nice dinner of scolloped potatoes with leeks and cream (awesome) and pork medallions!! I came across your website on Christmas and have printed off several recipes already. This ham soup recipe sounds wonderful so I will be making it for sure… it looks great!! Thanks!!
Wanda McGarvey says
Brunch with our daughter, her husband, and our grandchildren was phenomenal. Dinner was spent with our nephew who hosted all of his family.
Kelly says
🎄 I had a Merry Christmas with my buddy Poe. We had winter flavored treats through the day: Maple fudge, Bacon jam and chicken liver french fries, and almond butter and biscuits with apple cider as we binge watched and called family and friends to wish them a Merry Christmas.
Elizabeth McCormick says
Christmas day we took our mother in law to the Casino for a little fun. Our Christmas was Christmas eve where I had Christmas Eve dinner. We had prime rib, crock pot balsamic chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans with almonds, salad and garlic, mozzarella stuffed crusty bread. Before dinner we had shrimp and cocktail sauce, spinach dip and crusty bread, vegetables and dip, salami chips and dip, crab ball and crackers and cream puffs. All was delicious!!!!
Debbie says
Despite the crowd we had here Christmas, we still have leftover ham. I love making soup with it. We spent a wonderful Christmas with all the adult kids and grand kids it was awesome being able to spend the day together and to be able to celebrate that miraculous birth so long ago and to praise God for his Grace
Jill says
I spent the day crafting and watching tv while my husband worked. When he got home I had made a nice dinner and the kids came over. We ate, opened gifts, talked and had dessert before everyone headed home to prepare for work today….
This recipe looks wonderful! It’s going on my list of things to make! Your recipes have turned out wonderful for me….
Donna says
My husband and I had a wonderful Christmas by ourselves and roasted a Prime Rib Roast following your awesome recipe! Love Cafe Delites recipes!
Barbro Moran says
Christmas was magical this year. Families, friends 👫 and a lots off good food. A warm home 🏠 and everyone healthy. By the way, I NEVER delete a cafedelite.com receipt. Save them ALL. MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄
Marnie says
We spent Christmas making a wonderful meal for our relatives who otherwise would have been alone on the holiday. It was a good time had by all!
Margaret Fleet says
My Family were all at my home for Turkey and Ham Dinner. I t was a wonderful day. I now have leftovers for the great soup recipes
Terri McLellan says
My husband and I spent a very quiet Christmas, just the two of us together. We made brunch together and watched our favorite Christmas movies all afternoon.
Kristi says
Being our first Christmas as a married family, we invited our families over to our new house (50 of us) and had our first Christmas Eve here. It was wonderful! Our kids opened presents Christmas morning and then we had our tradition lunch at the grandparents house. Back home for Christmas naps and all was complete!
Kathi Hacker says
I spent my Christmas surrounded by my family! Got up at 6am and went to my daughters for breakfast and to watch my 4 grandchildren open presents. In the afternoon I had all 3 of my children and my 9 grandchildren over to exchange gifts. Then we all sat down for a delicious ham dinner. There is no greater joy then spending time with the people we love!
Erica says
We spent Christmas in our jammies making yummy food and eating all day!
Deborah Becker says
Spent the day with our families altogether at our home. Great grandmother to great grand babies. A day of good food, love and wondering what am I going to do with all this leftover ham!!!
Linda says
We spent Christmas with family and friends,had a lovely dinner early as our daughter had to work.will make this soup in morning,it looks great thanks.
Jeanette Burciaga says
The usual Christmas routine found us again … Christmas Eve was brunch at my parent’s house with egg casserole, tons of bacon and tamales, puerco an chile colorado, tortillas, chips and queso, and fresh fruit. Christmas morning was presents and some leftovers from the day before, and then the late afternoon and evening was spent at my in-laws where, quite frankly, the meal wasn’t nearly as enjoyable.
I’m now in the hunt for some delish and easy appetizer recipes for New year’s eve. Your website is simply amazing!
BettyAnne says
Our Christmas Day was very low key. Enjoyed smoked brisket at my daughter’s home and then toured her new house still under construction next door. Our big family dinner will be at my house Saturday when my granddaughter and her new husband return from a trip to Iowa to visit his family.
Carol Threde says
Spent a nice quiet day with my dog.
Sara L. says
My husband, 6 kids, mother, and I spend the morning opening gifts, sharing memories and eating our traditional scone breakfast.
We played games, watched Christmas movies, and relaxed the rest of the day.
We had sliders for lunch and chicken tortilla soup for dinner.
Merry Christmas to all!
Cheryl says
I spent the day baking banana breads and varieties of cookies to give to friends living alone
and a batch of special ones for our 4 legged friend who was happy my husband and I were with him all day as our daughters were away……….
Gayle says
I spent the day with my college daughters, who are home, and my ex husband. We had a relaxing, quiet day. We went for a long walk, opened presents, and all worked together to prepare and eat a delicious meal! We love your recipes and blogs!
Vivienne says
Merry Christmas, I spent Christmas with my husband and sons. He did all the cooking as I’ve got a stomach bug. He made an amazing Christmas dinner with turkey, stuffing,roast potatoes and vegetables. I love your carnitas recipe…. you’ve made me get my slow cooker out. Thank you.
Barbara Perkins says
Christmas morning spent looking for recipes for New Years. But that evening I spent with family, enjoying good food and a wonderful time.
Linda says
Spent Christmas at my Mom’s (nursing home) with my siblings and their extended families. Great food and fun activities. Came home and had orange roast duck dinner with husband–quiet and delightful, as we recused from driving. And last of all, spent Christmas with our son and his girlfriend! Beautiful times!
Norma says
Hello, I spent Christmas morning opening gifts with husband and my son, later we visit my family.
Michelle Walker says
Merry Christmas! I spent my Christmas making a traditional roast turkey dinner with the works for my family while being thankful that my son, who was injured in a fire last Friday, ended up being released from the Burn Trauma Unit at the hospital on Christmas Eve! We’d initially been told that he’d spend the entire week in the Burn Unit, so it was such a blessing for the whole family to have him recovered enough to spend Christmas at home. The turkey dinner was appropriate as we felt like it was a 2nd Thanksgiving.
By the way, bean and ham soup is my favorite soup and this recipe looks like a great one. I always make the slow soup with ham hocks and great northern beans. But a quick soup would be a great additional to my skills because this soup sounds good all of the time in the cold months. Yum!
Gregg Benningfield says
Christmas morning breakfast (after presents, of course) with turkey sausage breakfast casserole and hashbrown casserole. Nap!
Victoria says
Thoroughly enjoyed my Christmas holiday. Spent a lazy morning waiting for kids to awaken, then brunch and present opening. Made your prime rib for dinner with family and friends. BIG YUM all around! Looking forward to making this soup for my ham loving son. Can’t wait!
joe husosky says
had a keto christmas, made 2 keto deserts and they were everyones favorite.
SUSAN GILLIES says
We spent Christmas as home, with our daughters. We spent the time hanging out, shooting pool and having dinner and drinks.
Sylvia Maki-Chelemedos says
We are a very traditional family . Christmas morning is always breakfast first and then presents . Italian sausage is a must 😊along with eggs , potatoes and French bread . Fruit and panettone finish it off . Almost need a nap when we’re done 😀 Merry Christmas to all 🌲⛄️🎅🏻🎁
Franchi Rios says
Just the kids, my husband and I. Spent the day in our matching pj’s, opening our presents, eating and watching Christmas movies!! We had a wonderful day!!
Holly says
Our Christmas was spent with one son and daughter in law before Christmas and then mother in law on Christmas eve for ham dinner and church, then presents with her the next day and our traditional chili. Maybe next year we’ll do the ham soup in your recipe since we love an easy item we can forget about while we open presents or after church. Thanks for the great recipes!
Mike F says
I spent Christmas cooking for my family, and the main course was ham, so this will be a perfect way to use some of the leftovers!
Wendy Russell says
Spent a lovely Christmas dinner with special friends. Cooked a beautiful ham using the recipe from the other day. Now on to the ham and bean soup!
Carma says
Merry Christmas! Kids and I started Christmas with traditional stocking openings, followed by a yummy breakfast which was a breakfast egg Strata made tonight before. Super easy and delicious… and made my morning enjoyable as I didn’t need to do anything as it was done the night before. Spent the afternoon snowshoeing to burn off some calories before a wonderful turkey feast. Kids helped prepare healthy dinner… ok mashed potatoes had lots of butter but that’s what makes them super yummy! We ended our night playing card games with a food hangover … all good!
Cathy says
We spent Christmas at the beach! Nice weather in Fl. Able to take our dog. He loves it! Merry Christmas to all and and a wonderful new year!
Virginia B says
We spent Christmas with our daughter, son-in-law and grand children. They are a military family and they open their home to other military families who can not be with their families during the holidays. Great mix of people and food. House gets crazy but a lot of fun. Many blessings this holiday.
Margaret Hardy says
This is a must make recipe after the holiday. A great way to use our leftover ham
hulda Ingadóttir says
I spent my christmas at work. I work as a practical nurse at ER here in my home town. When you work a job like this you learn to adjust your and your family life around it. So my christmas have been a bit before and then a bit after normal holiday. Since I was working christmas I have new years off and then the family will have a gathering instead.
Rebecca says
Our youngest kids were here, as well as our 2 youngest granddaughters, daughter in law and a additional child whom we now claim as a grandson. It was also my hubbys birthday. Our tradition is to have the oldest child pass out the presents, we designated our 10 year old granddaughter to do it this year. Our daughter needs back surgery and our son is a disabled veteran. God Bless Y’all!!!
Kris says
Despite my plans, unfortunately I ended up being sick on Christmas. I stayed home so I didn’t pass it on to the rest of my family. If only people at work did the same, I might have been able to celebrate with my family! Better luck next year, I hope. And a safe and Happy New Year to everyone!
Roma says
I spent the morning with the grand babies and my beautiful family. We came home took quick naps and spend the evening with old friends! Today we will make your soup !
Bonnie Seidel says
Fabulous Christmas! My husband and I spent our day serving Christmas dinner to the community of Dover PA. we served close to 300 including people & families from all walks of life. In addition, my sister & brother-in-law who haven’t been to church in several years joined us. This experience reminded all what Christmas & Christianity is about – loving one another.
Elaine says
Spent Christmas at my house with husband, kids and in-laws. We all decorated the house and tree this year and they look so nice. Prepared a lot of good food. Cheese, meat and snack boards, cioppino, on Christmas Eve and filet mignon with garlic smashed potatoes and creamed spinach on Christmas. Fun time and everyone was happy.
Lucy Harrison says
Hi Karina, My husband and grown up kids shared your honey and mustard chicken salad for lunch at home, and then watched home movies of the kids when they were young, as my second child died in August this year. So in his honour we reflected on his life with us all. We then had a BBQ dinner of lamb, sausages, chicken kebabs, prawns and salads. It was a sad time but we were there for each other.
susan frazier says
How nice it is to have grown kids visit. We still followed the getting up and opening gifts under the tree. Yet, then I was treated to my kids making the breakfast and cleaning up!. We have a new son in law and he fits right into our family. We are blessed. Happy Happy Everything to Everybody!
Steve Markley says
Baked a ham so I’ll have left overs for this soup. My wife, son and I watched movies most of the day it was a nice laid bck day.
Mary Beth Pomeroy says
We had a wonderful Christmas with my in laws. The nieces and nephews are getting older and they all brought their spouses, fiancés, girlfriends, boyfriends, and there was a new baby to spoil. Our one nephew has special needs and all he wanted for Christmas was dollar bills for his wallet and biscuits. My mother in law presented a perfect beef tenderloin and all of the fun fixings. I have shared many of your recipes with her and my sister in law. Your recipes are wonderful and the chicken dishes turn out to be so tender. Last night, on Christmas I told my husband I needed to get back to making at least one soup a week again each week and this one looks perfect! How was your Christmas? Many blessing to you and your family. May peace, hope, and love fill you New Year.
Lisa Sarpolis says
This 15 minute ham and bean soup makes me wish I served ham on Christmas! But actually, we had lasagna and fillet mignon and our Christmas was fabulous with the entire family together !
Marybeth Horne says
Christmas started with the 11pm Christmas Eve church service, a tradition that I had as a child a’s nd one that my daughter and I continue each year. Then Christmas Day was spent exchanging gifts and enjoying a meal with ham and all the fixins’. It was a gorgeous day! Can’t wait to make either bean or split pea soup with the ham bone, again a tradition.
Lindsay Watson says
Our family spent Christmas relaxing for once! The kids slept in till 830, I made my moms traditional Christmas casserole breakfast, had the grandparents over to open gifts and drink mimosas! After all that we watched a Christmas movie and did not change out of our jammies till 1pm! We then played outside with all the new toys the kids got and then had to whole family over for a traditional ham dinner!!! 2018 was awesome!
Sarah Weaver says
I spent Christmas with my family and in-laws. Both stepdaughters stopped over. Was a great day
Yonghee says
I made a combination of ham, bean and potatoes soup. It was delicious. My daughters came and my oldest daughters’s future in-laws came to spend Christmas with us. We played games! Lots of fun and laughs. We are blessed.
Maureen Osrtowski says
This year was quiet, we had family over, and my daughters Chinese college room mate joined us for her first ever American Christmas. We spent four hours volunteering at a soup kitchens Christmas dinner. Certainly gave us perspective on how are livves are blessed and what we can do to be there for others
Pat says
I spent Christmas with my family, Mom , Daughter, Son-in law, grandkids, Sister,niece, nephew,
But missing the love of my life who now spends Christmas in my heart.
Kat says
We had our big family celebration of Christmas on Christmas Eve at our son’s home with our children and grandchildren!
on Christmas Day, my hubby and I relaxed with Eggs Benedict and mimosas in the AM and small meals the rest of the day after our gift exchange. It was a wonderful holiday!
Judy/AZ says
I spent it watching Christmas movies by myself.
Cheryl Palop says
I spent Christmas with my husband going to midnight mass and then having a mini-breakfast of scones and stollen ( my grandmother’s tradition) and coffee and tea as we reminisced of the past year and all the things we had done together with friends and family and the people/ animals we had lost this year and were missing especially on Christmas. We were grateful for each other and to be able to be together another year as we’ve been married 36 years now and we are each other’s best friends! We worry about this world and the people in it and hope in the next year people can be kinder to one another.
Mary Jane Harvey says
We celebrated Christmas a little early with our family but Christmas Eve was spent with friends. I did make a ham so I’m happy you posted this. Now I know what to do with the leftovers! Unfortunately, my husband’s prosthetic hip has been causing him pain, so Christmas Eve morning was spent in the ER. Turns out he’s going to have to have surgery to have it repaired, so today we head to Atlanta (3 hours away) to see the orthopedic doctor and get on the schedule. Hopefully it will be soon and I can make this soup as a great comforting meal for him – he loves ham and bean soup!!
Nancy Peruyero says
We usually spend Christmas at our house with our two kids but this year my younger son is in the hospital. So my husband made hot chocolate and came over with our older son and our gifts. Not what we would have liked but we were together and that’s all that matters.
Andrew Bellomo says
This was our first Christmas where my son , daughter and myself were sick. So I made wife go to my parents to enjoy herself. Why should she stay home and miss out. We did face time while they were eating. So we were sort of there. Hopefully for New Year’s Eve we can celebrate together.
Shirley Hardee says
Gracious! It was a blessed Christmas. I’m a widow taking care of my little brother who is on oxygen and has several health issues. On, Christmas Eve we went to my youngest son’s and his wife’s, their family, and her family who are my family too. We had Italian ( meatball subs, chicken parm, cheese pizza with cauliflower crust, pasta salad, assortments of breads….Yum). We left there and headed to another town to my oldest daughter’s and her honey’s. It was the same thing… their family, and his family….who are my family too. We had Mexican there. (Chicken and Beef tamales, Spanish rice, sauces, salad, beans, hash brown casserole, some awesome braised carrots, and desserts.
On Christmas Day, we went to even another town and spent it with my youngest daughter, her husband, and their family. We had to start very early because her husband had to go to work. We had a combination of a traditional and Mexican Christmas dinner. Turkey, dressing, yams, corn and carrots. My daughters special homemade enchiladas and Mexican Rice, beans, carrots, pumpkin pies, pecan pies, and cookies. There was sweet and unsweetened iced tea at all dinners.
Lots of visiting, laughing, and sooooooooo much love.
Linde says
I spent Christmas with my favorite book and a big bowl of popcorn.
Judy Davis says
Our Christmas was mostly spent with family and friends. We enjoyed every minute of it.
Definitely going to try the Ham and Bean soup since we just had ham yesterday. Have to do something with the bone and leftovers.
Becky R says
Christmas was spent with much gratitude for a day spent with family and friends. We had more food and gifts that we deserved and for that we are thankful!
mandy whalen says
We spent a quiet Christmas with our fur babies, our families are spread far and wide. I did some baking of lemon sugar cookies,
Mary says
We spent Christmas Day at the Hospital waiting to welcome our new Grandson. Miles Joseph entered our world Christmas afternoon at 4:41pm. Greatest Christmas Gift ever. By the way had to hold off on the ham dinner but can’t wait to try this soup. Looks yummy!
Marie-Michèle says
Wow! This soup looks amazing! I’ll try it as soon as I cook ham! 😉 I’m back to work… but I really enjoyed my 5 days of farniente! The first time in years during Christmas! I spent great time with some friends too!
Cathy says
My husband cooked an egg casserole to take to our daughter’s for Christmas. We were able to spend brunch with all of our 3 children, there spouses, two grandchildren and our daughters in-laws.
Joann Eeing says
We had a lovely Christmas, just us and the cats. I used your garlic butter chicken recipe on the Cornish hens and it turned out great. Hope you had a great day also.
Kitty says
With Family and Loved ones, it was a wonderful Christmas!
Frank Tesoro says
Christmas is a time to eat ,drink and be merry with your whole family
Laura Vander Wees says
My son and his wife spent Christmas with me. I made beef tenderloin with a mushroom sauce.
Really enjoy getting your recipes.
Theresa says
It was a lovely Christmas with loved ones, and our four legged family celebrating our time together and Jesus ‘s birthday!
Tena says
This recipe will be perfect for all the ham and veggie tray leftovers we have!
My Christmas was spent making Christmas happen for my elderly mom with dementia (84) and my elderly aunt with limited mobility (88) by doing the shopping, prepping, cleaning and laundry prior to the big ham dinner spent with their grandchildren, great grandchildren and my sister. Followed by a few games of SkipBo!
Then I retired to my room, had a cocktail and napped! whew! Glad it only comes once a year!
Hope yours was wonderful too!
Tena says
UPDATE! Made this last night for me and the ladies and added no chicken soup base with veggie stock.
I finished my bowl with some home baked bread and I didn’t want to stop after I was so full it hurt! Very delicious! Definitely a keeper forever!
Thank You!
Karina says
You’re most welcome Tena!
pamela says
i spent my christmas with my husband and our great dane we had a nice prime rib dinner and and had glasses of wine and listened to music then to to sleep had to work next day
Donna Vaughn says
I spent Christmas with my husband and our children. We grilled steaks and enjoyed cooking and opening gifts.
ken Weaver says
I actually spent my Christmas day working because I’m a plumber and gave all of my employees the day off. But before i started i got to see my kids open their gifts and I made it home by 5:30 pm. to enjoy some amazing ham- Your honey baked ham recipie. Now i see the ham and bean soup recepie. I can’t wait to make this with the ham bone and leftover ham. I didn’t mind going to work because all of my customers were so nice and appreciative and I even got a hug from a lttle old granny that was happy because i could fix her problem on the holiday. So I had a great Christmas day!!!! Hope everyone else did also.
Lana rogoff says
I spent Xmas with my daughter and her extended family and had a great holiday
Ann Cummings says
This Christmas we spent with my dad and my youngest sister in Florida. My dad has Alzheimers and my sister lives with him to be there when his disease reaches the point where he needs more assistance. We are spending lots of time with them, and also giving my sister a reprieve for her to have a break as well. We all had a wonderful Christmas Day and we plan to enjoy each other’s company for a few more days before we have to go back home to New England.
We had a delicious ham for dinner yesterday, and lots of leftovers. My dad has already asked for a big pot of pinto beans with ham and cornbread. My husband owned a couple restaurants in the past, and is an excellent southern cook, so he’ll have a nice big pot going for my dad either today or tomorrow, along with skillet cornbread in the oven.
Kimberly K. says
I am single and my mother lives with me. We are so blessed to have each other! We spent the day at home, opening each other’s gifts early morning and then my mama cooked her traditional Christmas lunch of stuffed cornish hens, followed by an afternoon of napping & watching a Hallmark movie in the evening. A truly lovely day with my best friend!
Natalie Clement says
I love this soup. So easy to make and a great way to use up leftover ham. This is my go tonsoup 🙂
Michele says
We spent our Christmas at home with our boys. Our family is all scattered all over in different states so we keep our Christmas nice and low key at home. Nice and quiet and full of love!
Susan says
I went to my parents house for Christmas. It’s two hours away and this was the first year all my brother and sisters were there! Mom made prime rib and an amazing dinner, Yule log and a cheesecake! My parents are amazing and so is my family. After there we traveled to my husbands parents house in buffalo and saw more loved ones. Perfect driving just light snow.
Clytie Glass says
Our Christmas was full of family, love, laughter and delicious food. We sat by the pool for hours, swam and talked.
This recipe will be fabulous use for our leftover ham.
Nona DePaul says
We had our extended family and friends Christmas celebration on Saturday. Quality time spent with our loved ones.
Cindy says
Going to try this with my Christmas leftovers.
Lisa MacDonald says
Us empty-nesters spent the morning enjoying coffee and the view of the frozen lake. Then off to Mass at 11:30 followed by visiting with our son and his wife and the two wildlings, ages 5 and 2, who live an hour and one ferry boat ride away. We put a doll-house and horse stable together and ate Christmas Crack made from your recipe that was posted last week. Cheers !!
Deborah Watson says
I spent Christmas with my husband and daughters. We lost our son this year so we did not want to go visiting others. Christmas will never be the same but we enjoyed our time together. We ate, told stories and played games.
ken Weaver says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss and im sure your son will be in your heart forever
Carol Bartley says
This year was extra special fir our family. My mom had heart surgery this past summer and she is almost as goid as new! We enjoyed our time with family and a great turkey dinner with all the fixings!