Mom’s Split Pea Soup

Combine first 14 ingredients (everything above the split peas) in a large stock pot, bring to boil, then simmer for 1 hour.

At that point, remove ham bone and trim all meat off and cut the meat into cubes. Return meat to pot. (If there is not enough ham on the bone you can add a 6 ounce package of cubed ham). At this point the broth will have reduced some, this is where you will add the water (up to 2 cups should do it) as needed. Add potatoes and split peas and simmer for 45 minutes until potatoes and peas are tender.

Add milk and heat to warm it – just about 15 minutes. Using a potato masher or your boat motor, smash or blend the soup until as chunky or creamy as you prefer. We like ours a bit of both so I use my boat motor to blend but still leave some chunks.

Serve with your favorite crunchy French bread and enjoy!!