Spinach Salad and Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup

This is by far the best split pea soup I have had. It has a rich flavor and the fresh peas and lemon make it bright and fresh.

1 C split peas, rinsed and soaked for 1 to 2 hrs
2 T olive oil
1 T butter
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 large celery rib, diced
1 t dried rosemary, chopped
1 t dried parsley
1 bay leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper
1/2 t smoked paprika
2 C frozen peas
1 C half and half
zest and juice of 1 lemon

Cook vegetables and seasoning (except salt) in oil for 15 min or until browned, add garlic, salt and paprika and cook a few min more. Add the split peas and 6 cups water, stirring freqeuntly until water comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmmer, covered, until peas have broken down, about an hour. Add the frozen peas and cook 2 mon more. Blend in batched until desired consistency, then add half and half and lemon, and more salt and pepper to taste.


Spinach Salad
Healthy and Delicious!

5-6 cups raw spinach, rinsed and dried
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 small red onion, chopped
2-3 oz shredded swiss cheese
1 small can mandarin oranges, drained

Dressing:

1/4 C vegetable oil
2 T red wine vinager
1 t poppy seeds
splenda to taste
salt and pepper