SPLIT PEA SOUP WITH HAM

      Dice coarsely 3 stalks celery, 1 onion in a 3 quart pot.  Add 3 sliced
      carrots and  1 clove minced garlic.  Sauté in 2 tbsp. butter until onion is     translucent.  Add 8 oz. pre-soaked or minced green & yellow split peas, a bay leaf,  and 5 cups of water.  Bring to a low boil, stirring occasionally, and simmer for 45 minutes or until peas are softened. 

     Add 1 lb. diced pre-cooked ham and simmer until heated thoroughly.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve with crusty bread. 
     This dish is always thicker the next day.  Add more water to thin as required.  A bowl makes a hearty supper in itself.  A cup is wonderful as a first course for dinner or a side dish to a sandwich for lunch.  Enjoy.  : )

                  STEAK AU POIVRE
      Select top sirloin steak(s), lean and trimmed.  Crush fresh black  peppercorns with the back of a large spoon and press into the surface of each 

steak, top and bottom.  Heat a well seasoned heavy metal skillet until water drops dance when sprinkled onto surface.  Place steak(s) onto skilled and sear quickly one side over medium/high heat to keep juices from escaping, turn and sauté on reverse until cooked nearly through.  Turn again and cook to desired degree of doneness.  Place on serving platter, smear lightly with butter or margarine.
Serve with baked potato and sour cream with chives, green vegetable such as asparagus or string beans, and tossed salad.  Add red wine and crusty french bread.  Simple & elegant
      For a special occasion, light  candles & top the meal with a special dessert.  : )

                 TEXAS TOMMIES

   Ingredients:  All beef hot dogs, bacon strips, slices of American cheese, and sliced hot dog buns with sesame seeds (One each per serving).

   Wrap each hot dog with a strip of bacon, spiralling along the length.  Fix with a toothpick at each end. Grill bacon wrapped dogs until done.  Drain on paper towels. 
Meanwhile, open each bun and place one cheese slice diagonally atop.  Grill under broiler, alongside hot dogs.  When cheese is melted, place on serving platter.  When hot dogs are drained, remove toothpicks and place into buns.  Provide condiments of mustard and relish.
     Serve with side dishes of  baked beans, cole slaw/potatoe salad/tossed salad & chips.
For dessert:  Frozen yogurt topped with fresh fruit in season and/or chocolate cake.
Wonderful when entertaining children of all ages.  : )

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