Split Pea Soup

For me, winter is always about a great thick warm soup at dinnertime. 

Serves 10

2 c split peas, rinsed and drained
3 carrots, chopped
3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
12 c water with 2 Tbsp chicken soup mix
½ c pearl barley, rinsed and drained
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, add split peas, carrots, celery, onion and water. Bring to boil. Add barley and bay leaf. Reduce heat. Simmer for 2 hours. Add salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf. Can be pureed.

Note: you can add more water it the soup seems too thick.