Basil seasoning and a carrot vegetable mixture complement the green peas and bacon or ham additions for a classic thick split pea soup.

Split Pea, Carrot, Onion, Celery, Leek, Parsley, Thyme, Basil, Bay Leaf

Makes about 6 12-oz. servings. What You Need: 6 pieces bacon (or meaty ham bone); 6 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup sherry, optional; 1-2 cups additional broth might be needed, if prepared ahead. This soup will thicken! Slow Cooker Alternative! Start soup on stove then transfer to bowl of slow cooker. Cook on high for 4-5 hours. Here's What You Do: Rinse, drain and pick over peas. Cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and saute for 10 minutes in a 4-qt. pot until nearly crisp. Add contents of Nebraska Barn Raising Split Pea Soup vegetable packet, peas and broth to bacon in pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 2-1/2 hours, stir occasionally. Serve with croutons and sherry. Soup may be prepared and frozen. Additional broth or water may be needed to thin soup.