Let's Celebrate - Cooking Up Holiday Memories

Christmas in the Riley family is based on both Irish and Slovak traditions. I'm not sure where the split pea soup comes in but I'm assured that Christmas Eve dinner wouldn't be complete without it.

I was introduced to the tradition in 1997, when my future husband invited me over for the family dinner on Christmas Eve. I volunteered to help and was asked to bring a pot of split pea soup. It was part of HIS TRADITION and something HIS MOTHER always made. Needless to say I was honored.

So, I found what I thought was the perfect recipe and on that Christmas Eve morning I went to work. I really wanted to get it right. I rinsed the peas, chopped the celery, onions and carrots. I added a little of this and a little of that till I thought it tasted just right. All the while I worried, "Will it be good enough?" My own mother was amused. I didn't cook often. The finished soup was exactly the same color as those avocado green appliances my mother had back in the 70's.

My next feat was to drive 30 miles from Tampa to Clearwater. My soup pot was quite full. I taped the lid down with duct tape and prayed that the holiday drivers would be merciful.

After a precarious drive, I arrived at the Riley household - soup intact.

I was greeted at the door with a warm family welcome and the wonderful smell of food, baked to perfection. There was a great family production still going on in the kitchen. Jim's father was making home-made Irish noodles, his mother was arranging the Holy bread on the table. Soon the split pea soup was again bubbling on the stove.

When it was time for dinner we all sat down to the table and said grace. The soup was served and everyone just raved about it. I was flattered and at the same time I wondered if they were all just being nice.

His mother turned to me and said "Your soup is wonderful. Can I have the recipe?"

This caught me by surprise. “Sure.” I replied, "But I don't want to be responsible for tampering with family tradition!"

Everyone at the table started laughing.

His mother just stared at me. “Mine comes from a can!" she declared.

That resulted in a good laugh and broke the ice. I was part of the family. And I've been officially responsible for Christmas Eve's split pea soup ever since.

Since that first Christmas, I've learned that I could have just as easily used a slow cooker. Here's the recipe from my house to yours.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and the Happiest of Holidays,

“That Creative Mom”

Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup

• 16 oz. bag dried split peas
• 2 stalks celery finely chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3/4 - 1 lb. of diced ham
• 2 14.5 ounce cans of chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 Bay leaf
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rinse and pick through peas. Place peas, seasonings, vegetables and ham into the slow cooker. Cover with broth and water. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Salt and pepper to taste.

Makes 10+ servings

Note: While this soup is a staple in our family for Christmas Eve, you might want to make it for New Year’s Day. Peas and lentils are said to bring you good luck for the entire year when consumed on January 1st.