SPECIAL SPLIT PEA SOUP ASHTON STYLE #38)

INGREDIENTS:

     1 lb dried split peas (check for stones or off color split peas)
     2 to 2 1/2 qts water
     1 ham bone and hopefully a good lb of ham meat
     2 tab of Millers Chicken Base or eqivelant (if ham
        is salty eliminate chicken base)
     1 medium onion, peeled and minced
     4 medium carrots, scrapped cut and minced
     2 stalks of celery,cut and minced
     1 tsp coarse ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:

    1. put ham bone and ham in 2 to 2 1/2 qts of water in lg pot and boil for about
        an hr.
    2. add minced onions, carrots,celery, chicken base, and pepper and slow boil
        about a half an hour
    3. add split peas and slow boil using a defuser between the pot and the flame
        (a good hour and a half) until vegtables are melted with the split peas into
        a creamy soup (remove ham bone and let itcool and as an option you may
        wish to suck out the marrow from the bone)     
    4. make sure soup is not to thick; add water to thin to consistency of heavy      
        cream; or if to thin, continue cooking until it thickens.  At this point you may
        wish to remove the meat and set aside; and if you wish using a vertical stand
        mixer ( I call it a motor boat mixer) mix the soup to a smooth consistency;
        than after cutting meat to about i inch pieces return to the soup).
        (as an option, you may add about 4 oz of heavy cream for a lighter soup)
    5. will serve 6 generously