First, I make a well seasoned broth which is what puts this recipe over the top. Instead of putting everything in a pot and boiling away, I take the time to build layers of full flavor. Put the 8 cups of water into your Kettle. Add the Smoked Ham Shanks, 1 Onion roughly chopped,the Garlic clove, Bay Leaf , Celery Stalk and 1 whole Carrot

Bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove the Ham Shanks and then strain the broth discarding the vegetables. Return the Ham Shanks and the strained broth to your soup Kettle.

Add the dry Green Split Peas, the diced Onion, the chopped Carrot and the Potatoes to the soup Kettle along with the Salt and Pepper.

Bring this to a boil, reduce heat and let 'er simmer away for another 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the Peas from sticking.

Turn the soup off and remove the Smoked Ham Shanks from the Soup and let cool for a minute. Then remove the meat from the bones. Discard the bones and chop the ham.

Return the chopped Ham to the soup Kettle and stir it in. That's it! Serve hot with rolls and butter or Corn Bread or just with some good crackers. We have created one wonderful Kettle of soup!

Thanks for stopping by today my friends. Wherever your Journey takes you today, I wish you the joy and satisfaction of sharing a warm meal with family and good friends on a cold Autumn evening.

Journey On! Hugs and much love from me. Karen, TJG

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