Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 lb. bacon, diced fine
1 c. coarsely diced onion
1 c. green split peas
1 small bay leaf
1/2 tsp. salt
pepper to taste
1 qt. water
1 2/3 c. undiluted evaporated milk

Preparation

Fry bacon in 4-quart saucepan over low heat until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Add onion and continue cooking over low heat, about 5 minutes; do not brown.
Add peas, seasonings and water.
Cover and heat to boiling.
Continue to cook over low heat, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours until peas are completely broken up and smooth.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Slowly add milk; reheat.
Stir constantly to just below boiling point, about 2 minutes longer.
Remove bay leaf.
Serve while hot.