SPLIT PEA SOUP

4 cups water

4 cups clear chicken stock

1 pound dried split peas

2 pounds smoked ham - or - 1 ½ pounds polska kielbassa

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

A dash of garlic powder

2 medium carrots, cut into about ½ inch pieces

2 medium stalks celery, cut into about ½ inch pieces

1 large potato, cut into about ½ inch pieces

Heat water and peas to boiling in a large pot. Boil for 2 minutes; remove from heat.

Cover and let stand for 1 hour.

Stir in the ham, onion, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat, cover and simmer for ½ to 1 hour until peas are tender. Skim fat if necessary.

Remove ham; trim fat and bone from the ham, and cut into ½ inch pieces. Stir in the ham, carrots, celery and potato. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer covered for about 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Makes 8 servings.