A hearty, nutritious soup that is sure to be everyone's cold weather favorite.  A Shoebooties original.  Makes 24 servings.

Ingredients:

    3 tablespoons butter                                           
    1 large onion  - diced                                         
    6 stalks celery  - diced                                       
    1 & 1/2 cup leeks  - diced                                     
    12 fresh mint leaves  - minced                                 
    1 stalk fresh rosemary  - minced                               
    2 tablespoons fresh garlic  - minced                           
    6 bay leaves                                                   
    3 pounds split peas                                            
    2 quarts chicken or pork stock                                 
    2 quarts milk                                                  
    1 quart half and half                                          
    1 & 1/2 pound ham  - diced                                     
    Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.  In large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat.

2.  Add onions, celery, leeks, mint, and rosemary and saute for 5 - 6 minutes.

3.  Add garlic and bay leaves and continue sauteeing for 1 minute more.

4.  Rinse split peas and add to pot along with the chicken or pork stock.

5.  Cover pot and bring to a simmer and cook peas until soft, approximately 1 hour.

6.  Add milk and bring back to a simmer, cooking for another 15 minutes.

7.  Add half and half and ham.

8.  Salt and pepper to taste and serve.