Serves 12 (freezes well)
1 pound split peas – rinsed
1 ham bone – optional
1 onion – chopped
2 carrots – peeled and sliced
1 stalk celery – chopped
2 cloves garlic – pressed
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 quarts water – use chicken broth if not using a ham bone.
salt and pepper – to taste
Put all ingredients into a crock pot, except the salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours, or until peas are very soft. Before serving, remove bones and bay leaf.
Salt and pepper to taste.
| 2 cups cooked wild rice | Cook wild rice according to package directions. |
| 2 tablespoons butter or margarine | Melt butter in large saucepan. |
| 1 cup chopped onion | Add onion and cook until light brown. |
| 4 cups chicken broth 1 can (16-ounces) pumpkin | Stir in broth and pumpkin. Cook 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. |
| 1/8 teaspoon white pepper | Add wild rice and pepper; cook 10 minutes longer. |
| 1 cup heavy cream | Stir in cream; heat to boiling. |
| Chives or parsley for garnish | Serve garnished with chives or parsley. |
Makes 8 servings