1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
¼ teaspoon salt (if you are using store bought chicken broth that is already salted only use ⅛ teaspoon)
Pepper, to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 pound dried green split peas, picked over and rinsed
8 cups chicken stock or broth (we LOVE homemade stock, which is very easy to make in your slow cooker with leftover chicken bones)
1 cup milk
Hot sauce, to taste
Recommended toppings and accompaniments: organic (and/or local) chopped bacon, ham, sausage or hot dogs plus homemade whole-wheat biscuits or toast on the side