Den's Split Pea Soup and Ham

• 3 lbs yellow split peas (one pound reserved)
• 1 ham hocks or 1 ham bone
• 8 cups chicken stock (2 store bought boxes)
• 7 -8 cups water
• 12 lb bacon
• 2 large carrots (finely chopped)
• 2 large onions (finely chopped)
• 2 celery ribs (finely chopped) (optional)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 6 -7 sprigs fresh thyme (or 2 tsp dried thyme, or 2 tsp ground savory)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 2, I prefer allowing people to add salt @ the table)
• 2 tablespoons fresh ground pepper

1. - Slice bacon into 1" squares, then fry, set aside, (reserve drippings).
2. - Rinse and sort out unwanted peas.
3. - In a large pot, combine two thirds of the peas with water and stock, bring to a boil.
4. - Meanwhile, chop carrot, onions celery, and garlic, then saute in bacon fat for 2 minutes.
5. - Ounce peas are boiling, turn down to low, add ham hock, bacon, sauteed vegetables, whole sprigs of thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
6. - Simmer 2 to 3 hours stirring occasionally, until peas are softened.
7. - Remove ham, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.
8. - Remove bone and fat from ham, then dice up ham.
9. - Return ham along with reserved peas, ( this will provide that wonderful texture).
10. - Stirring occasionally, Simmer for 1 to 2 additional hours or until it reaches desired consistency.
11. - Add salt and Pepper to taste, enjoy!

peas, ham hocks, chicken, water, bacon, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, kosher salt, fresh ground pepper

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/dens-split-pea-soup-and-ham-332185 (may not work)