Ham and Split Pea Soup

3 big carrots – slice-chop

1c chopped celery

1 med. onion – chopped

6 garlic cloves – sliced

8oz. ham – cubed

2-3T butter

6c flavorful chicken stock

1c dried green split peas

Combine everything, except chicken stock and split peas, in a big soup pot. Simmer on low heat until the onions are translucent then add chicken stock and split peas. Cover and simmer on low heat, about an hour, until vegetables are tender and the peas have lost their form creating sort of mushy broth. It's perfect! Serve with potato rolls or crusty breadsticks. . .Lin