Hearty Pea Soup

• 1 1/2 cups dried split peas
• 4 to 5 cups low sodium beef stock
• 2 cups chopped smoked meat
• 1 sweet onion chopped
• 2 celery stalks with leaves chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp Cooking With Greens Go To Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 large carrot chopped
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced

In a large pot heat butter. Add carrot, celery, parsley, onion and bay leaf. Cook until vegetables are softened. Add smoked meat and garlic. Mix and cook until combined. Add peas and stock. Bring to boil and Cover, reducing heat to medium. Allow to cook until peas are softened. Use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to combine ingredients until they are smooth. Add seasonings and cream. Taste and reseason if necessary. Serve.