Split pea soup

Yummy recipe from lady at church

Split Pea Soup
8 black peppercorns
3 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs parsley
2 Tbs oil
2 med carrots
2 celery stalks
1 large onion
2 Tbs minced garlic
1 ham steak cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 1/2 tsp course salt
1 lb split peas
4 cups water
4 cups chicken broth
1 Tbs butter

Wrap first 4 ingredients in cheese cloth sachet or put in spice ball.

Saute vegetables until onions are transparent, add liquid, spice sachet, dried peas, ham, heat to boil, lower flame to simmer, cook 1 1/4 hour, add butter and garnish with thyme.