Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. dry split peas
2 c. fine cubed ham or pork
2 qt. water
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped celery and leaves
1 c. chopped carrots
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. thyme
dash of cayenne (optional)
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour

Preparation

Combine first 3 ingredients in large kettle and bring to a boil.
Then set back to simmer and cover, cooking for 1 hour.
At this time, add all the vegetables and spices up to the optional cayenne.
Cook until tender.
Put soup through a blender using puree to coarse setting then return to kettle.
You may have to add some broth or water.
Finally, to bind and thicken soup, mix butter which is melted with flour and a little soup.
Return all this to the rest of the soup and stir until thickened.
Serve with cornbread or just crackers.
Keeps well after cooling in the refrigerator.
Take out what you want; add a little water; heat and eat.