Split Pea Soup

I had a ton of left over ham after our Christmas dinner and so I made some split pea soup with it. Mainly to prove to my husband that split pea soup is really yummy despite its not so appealing appearance. Stewart dubbed it "Shrek Soup" so they kids would try it and it worked. My kids then thought it was cool and tried it and liked it.

1 pound green split peas

2 smoked ham hocks or left over ham works too :)

2 ribs celery--finely chopped

1 medium onion--finely chopped

1 medium carrot -- finely chopped

2 cubes chicken boullion

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt ( I didn't add this and it tasted great)

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon pepper

8-10 cups water

1 bay leaf ( I didn't add this because I didn't have it on hand)

In a large saucepan combine all the ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and leaving mostly covered simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard bay leaf. Remove that ham hocks; when cool enough to handle, cut meat into bite-sized pieces. Return meat to the soup and heat through. If you want a smoother texture put half of it in the blender and blend till smooth. Return blended soup to the saucepan and mix well.

Yield:6-8 servings