Split Pea or Lentil Soup

1 meaty ham bone*
1 lb pkg split peas or lentils, or combo of both, sorted and rinsed
1 large onion, diced
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 bay leaf
opt: 1 T whole peppercorns
8 cups cold water, chicken broth, ham broth or combo - more or less as needed
salt to taste
opt: dash of sherry

Combine all in pot, add cold water or chicken broth to barely cover. Simmer until peas/lentils are tender and soup is thick, 1 1/2- 2 hours.
Remove ham bone, keeping good pieces of meat to add back in to soup.
Add salt to taste, remove bay leaf. Add sherry, if desired.

* if no ham bone is available, can use 1/4 pound ham or sausage



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