Split Pea and Ham Soup

• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup carrot, sliced
• 14 cup dry sherry
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup split peas, rinsed
• 2 slices bacon, sliced thick
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups frozen green peas
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 12 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
• salt and pepper
• 12 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh mint (garnish)

1. Saute onion, celery, and carrot in butter for the soup in a large pot, covered, over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes, or until vegetables are soft.
2. Deglaze with sherry; reduce until nearly evaporated.
3. Add broth, water, split peas, bacon and seasonings.
4. Bring to a boil, and simmer partially covered, 50-60 minutes or until pear are tender.
5. Remove bacon and bay leaf.
6. Puree 2 cups of soup in a blender; return the pureed mixture to the pot.
7. Stir in frozen peas, ham, parsley, butter (if using), salt and pepper.
8. Combine sour cream, zest, and mint for the cream in a bow.
9. Garnish soup with a dollop of the cream and sprig of mint if desired.

onion, celery, carrot, sherry, chicken broth, water, peas, bacon, thyme, bay leaf, frozen green peas, ham, fresh parsley, butter, salt, sour cream, lemon zest, mint

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/split-pea-and-ham-soup-196145 (may not work)