3 split pea soup illustrated Recipes

smoked ham , picnic bone in, water, bay leaves, split peas (2 1/2 cups), dried thyme, olive oil, onions, chopped medium, carrots, chopped medium, celery ribs, chopped medium, butter, garlic cloves, minced, sugar, new potatoes, diced 1/2 inch, ground black pepper, red onion, minced, balsamic vinegar

butter, onion, chopped fine (about 1-1/2 cups), salt, garlic cloves, minced, water, ham steak (left whole ), bacon, thick cut (left whole ), split peas , picked through and rinsed (2 cups), thyme , sprigs of fresh, bay leaves, carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces, celery rib, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, pepper, hot sauce , to taste (optional)