It was actually cheaper to buy a small Cure 81 ham than it was to buy ham hocks!!  You know, pigs feet....
But this recipe uses chopped ham in cubes which is how my Mom always did it, too.  I don't add carrots because it discolors the soup and I always add heavy cream no matter what the recipe says, and I also ADD cream cheese.  I usually cut an 8 ounce block in half and go from there if I need more.  It adds a lot of character to the soup.  I did some online shopping yesterday and was horrified at the price of ham hocks, the part most people don't even want is what's most expensive.  Oscar Mayer Bacon was cheaper!!!

https://www.southernliving.com/ham-and-potato-soup-7642895