During these chilly winter months, nothing says ‘Warmth & Goodness’ like a bowl of homemade soup. Over the past few days I’ve been sampling, tasting and trying new soup recipes and to my delight my kids have been sipping, slurping and drinking them up.
This day was no exception. Early in the morning I decided on a family favourite ‘Split Pea and Ham’. I knew my kids would be excited as this soup holds many memories and fun times together. I love how a simple meal can tell so many stories and bring back so many amazing family times.
The ingredients spent the day in the crock-pot, bubbling away. I knew it had reached perfection and I was so excited to get the kids home, set the table and serve them this delicious meal. After a long day at school, they walked in the house and inhaled that familiar scent. They knew in an instant what was on the menu.
On this particular day, we had a few extra faces with us. A 5-year-old boy and two girls aged 8 and12, all neighbourhood children. In our home it’s not uncommon to find more than our family around the table or scattered through the house (I love it!).
Suppertime arrived and I was ready. My kids galloped to the table excited about their meal. The other children made their way slowly to the table, unsure about this ‘Split Pea’ business. The little 5 year old watched my son, Gabriel, and decided, ‘If Gabriel likes it, I like it.’ He gobbled his down and smiled with contentment and commented on home much he enjoyed the soup. Along with their brother, my girls devoured their bowls and quickly requested a refill. The other two girls politely declined saying they would wait for their father to pick them up and eat with him.
As everyone was eating my lovely son decided to share his thoughts on the meal and said, “Mum, it looks diarrhea but it tastes GREAT’! I chuckled to myself, glanced at the girls who had chosen not to eat thinking this comment would put them off ‘Split Pea and Ham Soup’ for life.
To all the mother’s who courageously try to introduce new foods into the family diet please know that sometimes (as in a Split Pea moment) looks can be deceiving so persevere my friends and know that there are new recipes your family and friends will love.
What’s on the menu tonight? Curried Pumpkin Soup!! For this recipe and more check out our archives, the recipes are all familyroom TRIED AND TRUE (that means they’ve been tested in our kitchens and on our families 
).
Enjoy your dinner tonight and make sure you gather your family around the dining table and enjoy each other’s company.
Split Pea & Ham Soup
(this is so easy)
1 Onion
2 TBSP Olive Oil
2 Cups Split (green) Peas
2 cups chopped Ham
Water to cover
Method:
Chop Onion, saute in oil until just soft. Stir in (rinsed) peas and ham. Cover with water, enough water so all ingredients are covered. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. At this point you can transfer into crock-pot (which is what I do) and let it stew away all day (or 2 hours). This soup just gets yummier and yummier as the clock ticks on. If it thickens to much, add a little more water. No need to add salt or anything else (the ham has enough salt in it).
Serve with a crusty whole grain roll and this dinner is FIT FOR A KING or happy children. Yumm-o!
Susan xo
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank-You for sharing that story, I tried the soup, and You were right. They loved it!!! It is true however, (what your son said about how it looks) My kids thought it was fantastic!
Thanks Maureen
Thanks for reading. Glad your kids liked it too. It’s so yum! A winter favourite, for sure.
Susan
This is a family favourite of ours too….very Dutch. Can’t wait for winter to roll around so I can partake of it. I LOVED Gabriel’s comment…children’s words without filters are hilarious.
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