1 1/2 c. quick cooking split green peas
1 ham bone
2/3 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. cut up carrot
2 parsley sprigs
1/2 c. chopped celery
2 (14 oz.) cans clear chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 clove garlic (optional)
1 c. slivered cooked ham

In a 3 1/2 quart kettle, combine peas and 1 quart water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Add more water, if necessary. Add ham bone and rest of ingredients, except ham. Simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours. Remove ham bone and discard. (Remove any meat still on bone.) Press vegetables and liquid through coarse sieve or blend in blender/food processor. Return to kettle. Add ham; reheat slowly until thoroughly hot. Serve with bread croutons.