"My first time trying my new cast iron stock pot! This is my favorite soup and my favorite Food Guy! :) It took the better part of a snowy afternoon, but WELL WORTH IT! The best split pea/ham soup I have ever tasted (and made!) I boiled the ham hock and used that water to begin the soup base...instead of just plain water or chicken stock. My kids (8,10) gobbled it up! My husband (who doesn't think soup is a "real" meal) loved it too. I am going to make another pot because I didn't have any leftover to pass around to my family and friends so they would believe that I actually made it! No need for me to look around anymore ~ this is a keeper!