Green Split Peas

Servings:  6
Servings Size:  1 1/2 cups
Ingredients:
	   16 oz   package split peas
	    3 qts  water
	    1 sml  ham shank
	    1 lrg  onion, finely chopped
	    2      chicken bouillon cubes
	  1/2 tsp  garlic powder
	  1/2 tsp  oregano leaves
	  1/4 tsp  pepper
	    1      bay leaf
	1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrots
	    1 cup  chopped celery

In large deep pot, combine peas, water, ham shank, onion, chicken
bouillon and seasonings.  Simmer, uncovered, 1 1/2 hours.  Remove ham
shank; trim meat off bone and return meat to pot.  Stir in carrots and
celery.  Simmer, uncovered, an additional 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until soup
reaches desired thickness.


                          Hearty Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:
	10 cups water
	24 oz   dried split peas, rinsed
	 1 med  onion, chopped fine
	 2 lrg  carrots, chopped fine
	 2 lrg  celery stalks, chopped fine
	 1      ham bone, with some meat left on
	 2 cups chopped ham
	 3      bay leaves, crumbled
	 1 Tbsp peppercorns
	 1 tsp  allspice
	 1      clove garlic, minced
                salt and black pepper, to taste

Place the split peas in a strainer and wash under cold water.  Put all
soup ingredients in a medium stock pot.  Simmer 3-4 hours on very low
heat until the peas have completely disintegrated and the soup looks
smooth.  Serve right away or refrigerate overnight to let the flavors
meld.

Serve with warm crusty buttered bread.  Cold-weather meal.