Split Pea Soup

1 medium onion

2 carrots

2 celery stalks

3 TBS olive oil, salt & pepper

1 tsp salt

1 lb split peas

8 cups chicken stock or water

1 smoked ham hock

3 slices white sandwich bread

1. Finely dice onion, carrots,  celery
2. Sautee veggies in olive oil with salt and pepper until soft and beginning to carmelize
3. Add peas, chicken stock or water, salt, ham hock
4. Bring to boil, then simmer partially covered 45 min. to 1 hr.
5. Make croutons by frying bread in hot oil (3 min.), drain on paper towels, salt