Jennifer's Split Pea & Ham Soup

The temperatures are dropping and there is nothing better than a delicious bowl of soup to keep the cold at bay!

My sister, Jennifer, makes the BEST split pea and ham soup ever. Trust me, this is a recipe you will want to try on a cold winter night. It is healthy, filling and so yummy! I hope you enjoy this fantastic recipe as much as I do!

Without further adooooo..

 Ingredients:
- 16 ounces of split peas (note: sometimes you can find them in bag with barley as well)
- 2 - cans of chicken broth
- 10 cups of water
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cups of carrots sliced
- 1 cup of celery diced
- 1 1/2 lb. of ham diced
- salt, pepper, bay leaf, garlic to taste

Step 1: Rinse the 16 ounces of split peas in colander.
Step 2: Put peas in large pot with water & chicken broth. Then simmer on low for 2 hours.

Step 3: Add the diced onion, carrots and celery. Then cook for additional 2 1/2 hours.
Step 4: Finally add the diced ham & cook for 20 - 30 min.

 Step 5: Serve with shredded cheddar and croutons on top.

Step 6: Enjoy!

P.S. I am linked up with Simply Lulu Style, My Girlish Whims, Suburbs Mama & Transatlantic Blonde!