Split Pea Soup

1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 package split peas, washed and sorted
1 teaspoon allspice
2 quarts water
1 cup finely chopped ham, optional

In a Dutch oven, sauté' onion, carrot,
celery in 2 tablespoons butter about 5
minutes. Add peas, garlic, allspice and
water. Simmer until peas break apart,
1-2 hours.

Serve with bacon, croutons or onion
crackers.