Ham And Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. dried split peas
1 carrot, pared and chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 ham bone
8 c. water
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
2 c. bread cubes, 1/2-inch each

Preparation

For Soup:
In large saucepot, combine peas, carrot, celery, onion, ham bone, water and pepper.
Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours until peas are soft.
Remove bone and cut away meat; discard bone and cut away meat; discard bone.
Cut ham into 1/4-inch cubes.
If desired, for a smoother soup, place vegetable mixture, in batches, in food processor or blender container; process until smooth.
Add ham and reheat soup, if necessary.