Creamy Pea Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion (1/2 pound), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 4 cups frozen peas
• 4 cups 2% milk
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups diced ham
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Croutons (optional)