Split Pea Soup

This delicious soup takes a little while to cook, but is very easy to prepare and your kitchen will smell wonderful!

5 slices center cut bacon cut into pieces (could use smoked sausage or ham instead)
1 onion chopped
1/2 cu. chopped celery
2 cu. dried split peas (rinsed and drained)
4 cu. water
2 cans chicken broth
1 bay leaf
4 medium carrots sliced and halved
2 potatoes peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic chopped
1/4 Tsp. smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 Tsp. dried Thyme

In a large pot, saute the bacon, onion, and celery until tender. Add the peas, water, chicken broth, bay leaf, carrot, potato, salt, pepper, thyme and paprika. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat, and cook covered for 11/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally. If soup becomes too thick, thin with additional broth or water. Remove bay leaf before serving.