[GretchenEE]

You are fortunate your mom wrote down her recipes. Mine didn't, so when I come across a recipe that reminds me of one of hers, I try it. Here's a winter warmer that is reminiscent of her soup, but even better! The author (no longer with us) was a professional chef and all his recipes are, IMO, outstanding. I've never regretted making a single one of them.
I'm actually making this today.

SPLIT PEA SOUP ESPECIAL
Cooking Time: 3:15 Hours + time to heat water
YIELD: 2 quarts, 8 servings
From: Chet Beckwith, Modified by GretchenEE

A homey split pea soup made easier: the split peas don't have to be soaked overnight. This freezes exceptionally well; especially nice in individually-sized servings.

1 lb. Dried split green peas
1 Tasso or smoked ham bone (I use about 1-1/2 lbs.; can also just add precooked ham bits about 15 minutes before serving)
1/2 lb. bacon, crisp-fried and drained, cut into small pieces (optional)
8-10 C. water
2 stalks celery, sliced 1/4 inch diagonally
1 - 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
4 green onion tops and bottoms, thinly sliced
5 carrots, chopped into small pieces
Parsley to taste
2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1 bay leaf
1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1. Rinse peas in cold water, drain, and put in 8-quart kettle with Tasso or ham bone and 8-10 C. water.
2. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer.
3. Cover and cook 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. In medium skillet, over medium heat, sauté celery, onions and green onions until onions are limp, about 5 minutes; stir to prevent sticking and burning.
5. Fry and cut bacon, if using.
6. Add the following to peas and ham hock mixture: salt, rosemary, bay leaf, garlic, bacon.
7. Mix well and bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 min.
8. Skim fat and add a little water if too thick.
9. Add carrots.
10. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, and cook covered for additional 30 to 40 minutes, stir to prevent sticking. Remove Tasso or ham bone, slice meat from bone, and return.
11.Top with parsley and croutons; serve.

[homemom]

Yummy sounding recipe! I also add a diced sweet potato to my pea soup and lots of added vitamins. YUM!

Speaking of recipes, anyone have a good one for cabbage soup? Not the "diet" one--I found that recipe and sounds awfully boring. I do NOT like tomatoes in soup, and most of the other recipes I found had tomatoes in them. I do want a low-cal one, and hamburger in it is OK. Any suggestions?

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Boy, that soup sounds goood!!
Thanks so much for sharing it with me..it beats the heck out of the one I usually make!

I have everything here but the ham bone, and I just got back from doing groceries...darn..Think I will make your soup on Saturday.

Gonna do up a batch of Potato-Leek soup for meself tonight, Mr.B is at a Pubbie fundraiser and dinner..
I didn't want to go this time, 'sides, it didn't coordinate with the PT appt...

Got a case of the sniffles, so the soup will be good!!I am glad my Mom wrote down all her recipes, she was really big on pastry and fancy desserts..but she had old recipes handed down from Canada, like Creton, Canadian Meat Pies, and so on..made me miss her all over again..

Ms.B