HOT SOUP: This is another easy to make soup that is full of goodness.

THICK PEA SOUP:

½ cup split peas, rinsed and picked over                    

6 cups chicken stock

1 small ham hock                                                       

1 each onion & carrot, sliced

bouquet garni---tied in several layers of cheesecloth:

    2 sprigs parsley                                           

    stalk celery, quartered

    ½ bay leaf                                                   

    ½ tsp. thyme

freshly ground pepper                                                

croutons to garnish

In a large saucepan, bring split peas and chicken stock to a boil, skimming any froth that rises to the surface. Add ham hock, vegetables and bouquet garni. Simmer the mixture for 1 hour, or until the peas are very soft.

Remove and discard bouquet garni. Puree the soup in a blender or food processor, or by using a hand blender. Bring back to a gentle simmer reheat it. Add pepper to taste, adding salt only if necessary.

Ladle soup into heated bowls, and garnish each serving with crouton.