Split Pea And Ham Soup

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbs ham, bone in
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 lb split peas, picked over and rinsed
• 3 red potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups medium onions, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• salt
• black pepper
• balsamic vinegar