1 ham hock
1/2 lb. dried green peas
1 carrot, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 c. chopped celery
3 pt. water
1 sm. bay leaf

Soak peas overnight in water. Place 3 pints water in deep pan. Add ham hock and peas. Boil until peas fall in water. Add chopped carrot, chopped onion and chopped celery. Simmer until the vegetables fall into water. Add more water, if necessary. Serve as is, or add milk, if desired. Five minutes before serving, add small bay leaf.