======= Split Pea & Ham Soup ======
<block small rightalign>Credit: [[user:Celti]]</block>
===== Ingredients =====
  * 3 lbs. dried split peas
  * 3 lbs. chopped ham
  * 2 ham hocks and/or a ham bone
  * 1 c. butter
  * 6 c. finely chopped mirepoix
  * ¼ c. minced garlic
  * 6 qt. water or stock
  * 1 tbsp. crushed red pepper
  * 1 tbsp. salt
  * 1 tbsp. black pepper
  * 2 tbsp. fresh thyme
  * 4 bay leaves

===== Cooking =====
  * Soak peas for 8 hours or overnight and drain.
  * Score ham hocks, cover with water, bring to a boil and simmer one hour. If using a raw ham bone, roast it in the oven until it starts to brown.
  * Melt the butter, add the mirepoix, and cook until soft.
  * Add the garlic to the mirepoix and cook for another few minutes.
  * Add the ham and the hocks and cook until beginning to brown.
  * Add the peas, salt, pepper, and red pepper and heat through.
  * Add the liquid, bay leaves, thyme, and the ham bone if you have one, and simmer until the peas are tender, adding water as needed.
  * Add cream and sherry to taste and serve.