Ham and Split Pea soup | I don't want my MTV

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbs ham (smoked, bone-in picnic ham)
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 lb split peas, rinsed and picked through
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped medium
• 2 medium carrots, chopped medium
• 2 medium celery, chopped medium
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 pinch sugar
• 3 small red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2 inch dice (about 3/4 cup)
• black pepper (freshly ground)
• red onion, minced
• balsamic vinegar