Split-Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 3 bay leaves
• some black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 carrots
• 1 celery stalk
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1.5 quarts low sodium chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 mediums onions
• 1 pound smoked ham hock
• 1 pound split dried peas
• 4 slices thick-cut smoked bacon