Split Pea Soup

1 pkg dried green or yellow split peas
7 cups water
1 pound smoked ham hock or 4 ounces of smoked sausage
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper

Rinse split peas under cold water.
Combine all ingredients in big saucepan and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to med-low and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes. Stirring frequently.  Blend half of soup with immersion blender when peas fully cooked.  Add water if soup is too thick.

Southwestern Chicken Salad

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
12 ounces cooked boneless chicken breast, chopped
1 can diced water chestnuts
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 jalapeño pepper, minced

Dressing
3 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground red pepper

Eggless Egg Salad Sandwich

1 box firm tofu, drained, pressed and crumbled
1 large stalk celery, diced finely
2 green onions, diced finely
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley. Optional
1/4 cup miracle whip (or mayonnaise)
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp mustard
black pepper to taste
toasted bread
alfalfa sprouts

tomato slices