+ 3 slices bacon, cut in half
+ 1 finely chopped garlic clove
+ 1 large onion, chopped
+ 3 celery stalks cut into 1/2-inch pieces
+ 3 large carrots cut into 1/2-inch pieces
+ 8 cups water
+ 1lb bag green or yellow split peas, rinsed
+ 1 meaty ham bone
+ 1 bay leaf
+ 1 cup chopped ham
+ 2 large potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces
+ Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large stock pot, fry bacon until fully cooked. Remove, crumble when cool and set aside. Add garic, onion, celery and carrots to bacon grease in pot and saute over medium heat until limp.

2. Add water, peas, ham bone and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, skimming any foam that rises to the top. Add the chopped ham, potatoes, crumbled bacon, salt and pepper to taste, and return to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook on low for 1 hour or until peas have completely broken down, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.

3. Serve with rye bread and butter. The soup freezes well.