We leave for our Christmas and New Years holidays tomorrow. We have an eight hour drive before us and we plan on stopping close to Lake Lure to get our Christmas tree. I have never waited this long to put up a tree before and I am looking forward to it.
The cards have been mailed and the presents bought. I am excited about the gift that I am receiving this year because it involves a new method of cooking. Stay tuned for my new passion. I will also be sharing with you the traditional New Year’s meal that our group of friends fix every year. Everyone will gather at our Lake Lure home and each of the five couples will prepare their special dish.
So today I am packing and taking a deep breath and enjoying the solitude before the excitement. It is cold even here in Florida. This split pea soup is just the perfect meal to ward off the chill and calm the senses. Let the holidays begin.
SPLIT PEA SOUP WITH SAUSAGE AND POTATO
1/2 pound Kielbasa sausage, cut into pieces
1 large potato, peeled and diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsps fresh rosemary, chopped
1 1 pound bag split peas, rinsed
4 cups chicken broth
Saute sausage in heavy large pot over medium high heat until fat begins to render, about 4 minutes. Add potato, onion, and fresh rosemary. Saute until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Mix in split peas, then chicken broth, Bring soup to simmer. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, about 50 minutes. If desired, thin soup with water by 1/4 cupfuls. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
Oh, my husband is going to love this one. He LOVES split pea soup!! This looks nice, simple and delicious!!
I wanted to mention that I have been to the antique mall in Niles a million times and have probably been to your sister’s booth (it was your sister, wasn’t it?). I love the whole place. Do your remember any of your friends from Diamond Lake? They may still be there and we know them…
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!! 🙂
xoxo
Janie
Penny, what a terrific soup and perfect for the North Carolina mountains. Tomorrow is going to be a great weather day for a ROADTRIP, so have a safe trip and I will wave as I pass you heading south to Florida tomorrow. But, then I turn around and head back to St. Simon’s GA on Wednesday… But it is all worth it, just to be with family for the holidays…
I love split pea soup! Safe travels and Merry Christmas!
Penny, have a safe drive home. Your soup sounds fantastic. We were traveling one year and didn’t get home until two days before Christmas. We were’t going to put up a tree, but on Christmas eve we couldn’t stand not having one, so we went and got one. I think it was one of our prettiest trees, perhaps because it almost wasn’t.
Sam
What a terrific soup! I failed miserably the last time I made split pea so I’m ready to try this. I’m just decorating our tree today, and it’s the latest I’ve been. It’s made for a relaxing first day of vacation for me. Have a safe drive and a lovely holiday.
I love split pea soup. In fact I have a ham in the frig waiting….I have never tried it with sausage. My hubby would love it that way. Thanks!
A perfect soup for this cold weather we are having up here. I can’t wait to hear about your new cooking method! Happy Christmas Penny!
Drive careful! Happy Holidays
Split pea soup is very popular in Canada. Looks delish.
Can’t wait to see your new toy!
Pea soup with sausage, a different twist, but I’ll wager it’s very good, giving it a little extra spice.
Wishing you a safe trip.
May the blessings of this season be with you and yours.
Merry Christmas Penny. I tried the shrimp and grits recipe and it was great!
Happy holidays Penny.
Sam
Have a great Christmas Penny- we are already celebrating up here in Maine!!! Safe travels- Marcia