Split Pea Soup
On a cold winter's day, there's almost nothing better than a nice, thick steaming mug of Split Pea Soup. Don't bother with the canned stuff, make it right. Easy. Gets better & thicker each day... if it lasts that long!

2 - 1 lb. packages of green split peas
1 large carrot, chopped into smaller chunks
1 celery stalk, chopped into small pieces
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 lb ham cut into small chunks OR ham bone
8 cups water
3 bullion cubes, chicken flavor
1/2 teaspoon whole black pepper corns (my wife prefers white)
1 bay leaf

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot. Set on & cook on HIGH for 3 hours. Stir occasionally, peas will initially clump together.  After 3 hours, reduce heat to low for another 3 hours.

Salt as needed.

Serve piping hot with homemade croutons.

Classic Quiche
Yes, real men eat quiche. We like quiche at any time of year. Easy to make. Versatile. Add your choice of extras to make it to your liking.

Basic recipe:
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup of milk (any kind, regular, low fat or skim)
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cup grated or shredded Swiss or similar hard cheese
1 deep dish pie shell

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Pour into pie shell.

Bake in preheated oven for 35 - 45 minutes or until top is lightly browned and when a knife is inserted, it comes out clean.

Let stand for about 3 minutes before slicing into wedges.

Quiche Option Extras:
1/4 pound diced ham
6 slices cooked to "crisp" and crumbled

1 cup Broccoli cut (I like nice sized chunks) florets. Pictured above.