Burt'S Favorite Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. yellow or green split peas
2 1/2 qt. cold water
1/4 c. salt pork
1/2 c. chopped carrots
1/2 c. chopped onions
1/8 tsp. thyme
1 small bay leaf
ham bone or shank
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. butter
parsley (optional)
2 to 3 potatoes, chopped

Preparation

Soak peas in water overnight.
Cook salt pork 5 minutes.
Add carrots and onions.
Cook about 10 minutes until soft.
Add peas. Add seasonings and ham bone.
Cover and bring slowly to boil.
Add potatoes.
Reduce heat and simmer gently, about 2 hours.
Remove ham bone.
Strain.
Remove all meat from bone; dice and add to hot soup.
Add sugar and butter.
Add 1/2 cup thin cream if desired. Garnish with parsley.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.