Split Pea Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Peas must be soaked overnight.
2. 2
   In a soup pot, put in peas and 6 cups of water.
3. 3
   Add bay leaves and salt and pepper to taste. Add in ham hock.
4. 4
   Simmer for an hour and a half.
5. 5
   Scoop out ham hock (discard).
6. 6
   Put peas (a few cups at a time) in a blender to puree.
7. 7
   Return soup to the pot and add carrots and potatoes (and hot dogs if you did not use a ham hock).
8. 8
   Add water, if soup is too thick.