Ham Bone Dinner

(serves 6-8)

• 2 C dried yellow or green split peas
• 4 peppercorns
• 1 ham bone
• Salt to taste
• Water to cover

Bring to a boil, then simmer 2-3 hours until peas are done, adding water if necessary.
Remove the ham bone, cut off meat and chop finely.

• Ham bits
• 6 carrots, sliced
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 2 onions, diced
  
  

Cook until carrots are done, about 30 minutes.  Check seasonings and serve.

Substitute chopped bacon or salt pork for the ham bone or omit meat entirely and flavor with herbs.

Just before serving, add several chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Add dumplings:
Combine:

• 2 C flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 tsp baking powder

Rub in:

• 1 T margarine

Gradually add:

• 1 C water

Place on top of simmering soup in large spoonfuls.  Cover and cook without peeking 15 minutes. Use dumplings when all the soup can be eaten at once  -- they do not reheat well.