SPLIT PEA SOUP

Split Pea and Ham Soup
Green Bean N' More


1 ham bone
4 1/2 cups water
1 can chicken broth 14 oz can
2 cups split peas (Yellow or Green)
1 1/2 tbsp butter
2/3 cups chopped green onions
1/3 cup finely chopped carrots
1/3 cup finely chopped celery
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp pepper
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup whipping cream
2-3 cups of chopped ham

Place the ham bone in a large pot. Add the water, chicken stock and the peas. Which I rinsed prior in a colander, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally and watching so it doesn't burn on.
Saute the onions, celery, carrots in butter. Add to the soup pot along with the seasonings and continue to simmer the mixture until the peas are very soft, about 45 minutes. Watch and stir frequently. Remove the ham bone, stir in the milk, and whipping cream add your ham. Pick off any pieces of ham that are left on the soup bone.