Newfoundland Boiled Dinner

1-2 lb. ham pieces, ham hocks or ham bone
1 medium onion, cut in chunks
water to cover
3-4 carrots
3-4 yellow turnips
3-4 potatoes
4-6 small whole onions (optional)
1 head cabbage, cut in large wedges

Bring ham, medium onion chunks, and water to boil in a stock pot. Simmer until meat is tender. Remove meat from bone and return to broth. Taste broth and add salt if needed. Cut vegetables in large pieces and add in order listed. Do not stir them. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender. Serve from pot onto large plates. Serve with bread or muffins with jam and tea for dessert.