White Bean and Squash Soup

2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups chopped yellow onion
3 bay leaves
2 stalks celery
garlic
1 pound of butternut squash (I buy this frozen at target, otherwise you have to buy a whole squash then dice it.  You can ask your grocer about it.)
1/2 pound ham hock (in the meat section, you could also probably leave this out if you have a bumch of ham to add to the soup)
8 c. chicken stock
1 15 oz. can of whole peeled tomatoes, drained
2 15 oz. cans of cannellini white beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp thyme
fresh spinach
salt and pepper


sauté onion and bay leaved in oil.  add chopped celery, cook 2 minutes.  add garlic, cook a minute.  If using frozen squash - add ham, stock, tomatoes and thyme to pot, bring to simmer.  Simmer for 1 1/2 hours.  If using fresh squash, add it as well.  remove ham hock if using one.  Add white beans and frozen squash, cook for 15 min or so.  Add spinach, simmer until wilted.  Remove bay leaves before serving.