Hearty Ham And Sausage Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

9 slices schneiders country naturals bacon
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 large yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 green pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup schneiders country naturals ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 package schneiders oktoberfest grillems sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 (28 ounce) can pea soup
2 cups water
3 bay leaves
black pepper

Preparation

Cook bacon in a large heavy saucepan until bacon is crisp; drain off excess fat and set bacon aside.
Add onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, green pepper and celery to saucepan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are slightly softened.
Add ham and sausage to vegetables.
Stir in pea soup, water and bay leaves; bring to boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook with lid off for 35 to 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Remove bay leaves and add pepper to taste.
Top with bacon before serving.