A real comfort food for a cold day.
1 pound split peas -- rinsed
2 cups ham -- diced
2 cloves garlic -- minced
1 large onion -- chopped
2 stalks celery -- diced
4 medium potatoes -- chunked
3 large carrots -- chunked
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Mix together all ingredients in very large pan. Fill pan with water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 2 1/2 hours until everything is very soft and peas have dissolved.
Serve with big chunks of rustic bread....
