Cannellini Bean and Kale Soup with Ham and Sherry Vinegar (Crockpot or Stovetop Recipe)

Besides writing about food and South Beach Diet friendly recipes on Kalyn's Kitchen, I also write for a site called BlogHer.com. For January I'm writing a series of posts there called Eat Your Greens. I started with Kale, and I somewhat sheepishly had to admit that although I've made several tasty dishes with the Red Russian Kale I've grown in my garden, I'd never once cooked dark green kale. Since Kale has more nutrition per calorie than almost other food, I really wanted to start using it. Luckily my store had it on special for $.99 a bunch, so I bought three nice bunches, and this soup is the first thing I made.