Hearty Split Pea Soup!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 celery rib, sliiced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 2 smoked pork shanks or 2 smoked turkey wings
• 1 (16 ounce) package dried split peas
• salt & pepper
• hot sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup sherry wine
• 1/2 - 1 cup garlic herbed croutons
• 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon

1. In a large pot heat oil add onions, celery, carrots, potatoes and carrot saute for 5 minutes add garlic, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper & ham bone stir 1 minute. Add peas and cover with enough water to completely submerge all ingredients by a couple inches.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 3-4 hours, until thickened be sure to stir throughout the cooking. The longer you cook it the thicker it gets.
3. Go ahead a sneak a taste.
4. Season with hot pepper sauce and black pepper Drizzle with sherry.
5. Optional I prefer-Blend all but meat in a blender to smooth out.
6. Garnish with croutons and bacon bits.

olive oil, onion, celery, potatoes, carrots, garlic, oregano, pepper, bay leaf, pork, peas, salt, hot sauce, sherry wine, garlic, bacon

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/hearty-split-pea-soup-117472 (may not work)