On the super-cheap

Here's a very tasty soup (stolen mostly from the back of the Goya dried split pea package) that by my account cost about $7.00 to make eight VERY hearty servings.

Split pea soup with turkey ham

1 package Goya dried split peas, sorted and rinsed
1/2 to 3/4 lb. whole turkey ham, chopped/diced (if you are trying to do this from pantry/staples only, substitute 1/2 lb. cooked crumbled bacon)
3 cans of low salt chicken broth, or homemade, and 4 oz. extra water
1/2 large or one small onion, chopped finely
2 carrots, chopped finely
vegetable oil

Put vegetable oil on medium heat and saute onions until soft. Add carrots and ham and cook until ham is browned a bit and heated through. Add broth, water, and peas and bring to a boil. Once boiled, cover and put on a simmer until peas are soft. Add more water if necessary for consistency and salt/pepper to taste.

Freezes VERY well and looks great in a bread bowl!!!