I smoke my own non-nitrate ham hocks. Buy 30 lb. case (about 15 hocks) of frozen Swift brand for about $1.70/lb. Brine & smoke.
Split pea soup
1 lb green split peas
1 smoked ham hock
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 or 2 bay leaves
1/2 t. thyme
4 C water
4 C chicken broth
1-2T cooking sherry
Saute onion then add all ingredients except for carrots and cooking sherry. Bring to boil then down to low simmer. Cook until beans dissolved, then pick meat off bone. Usually about 4-5 hours for me. Add back meat and carrots in and cook until carrots are tender. S&P to taste and stir in sherry.
