My Mom’s New Year’s Day Ham Soup

(note, can eat this ANY time–I almost always make it anytime after my family has ham).

Time:

Prep: 15 minutes  /  Cook: 3 hours (Or more.  You cant go wrong here).

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 c split peas (fast-cooking)
• 1 onion (cut into eighths)
• 1 bunch celery (cleaned, chopped into 1-2 inch pieces)
• 8 cups water
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• 1 bay leaf
• My mom’s recipe calls for “lots of ham”.  I typically use the remaining ham bone from a spiral cut ham, and then about 1 pound ham.

To cook

1. Toss in all ingredients (yes, this is another one of THOSE recipes.  I have a pattern).
2. Bring to a boil, then put on lid, and simmer 2-3 hours, until peas are soft.