Split Pea Soup

• 1 lb bag of dried split peas
• 1 ham bone (or a quart of ham stock)
• 4 cups of water
• 2 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 ribs of celery diced
• 2-3 diced carrots
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and Pepper
• 1 cup diced ham

First, carefully go through the dried split peas looking for any stones or debris. Then rinse the split peas and add to your pot with the water and the ham bone. Next add in all of the vegetables and bay leaves. Let the mixture cook over a medium flame and stirring occasionally for about an hour. Add more water as needed if the mixture becomes thick.

When the peas have softened and begin breaking down, remove the ham bone and let cool for about 10 minutes. Remove and dice any meat from the bone that is not dried out or tough. Add the ham from the bone and the additional diced ham to the pot and warm through. Season with salt and pepper to your taste and enjoy!

*Note: Leftovers can be frozen, or you can make double and freeze for another day.