Looking for an inexpensive meal that’s easy and delicious? Try this split pea with ham hock recipe. (Photo: AdobeStock)
in·fla·tion
/inˈflāSH(ə)n/
ECONOMICS
A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.
Navigating today’s economic woes is, to say the least, challenging. With food costs higher and fuel costs astronomical, I am wondering where it will go from here.
More than a century ago right here in Carson City, I’m sure they felt the same way. When the price of silver continued to decline by half it effected the buying power of the public. Since your money value was cut in half you could only buy half as much, causing inflation.
Food costs, especially meat products, are no different today. Different circumstances are occurring to make meat prices fluctuate so greatly. The market’s bucking effect from the pandemic is causing many shortages and food costs are directly affected. Labor shortages are first on the list – every level of commerce, from farmers to truckers for transportation, production facilities, wholesale distributors, and then the retail markets.
Every aspect of our free market is being challenged by higher wages, higher fuel and energy costs, and lack of and cost of a work force. I am sure there have been much worse economic times. Just remember to have patience and understanding for your fellow Americans, we will get through this just as we they did 100-plus years ago.
In the pursuit of an economical meal that’s delicious and filling, I’m recommending some simple split pea soup. It is an inexpensive meal with easy preparation. Dry peas and/or beans are economical and always something to have in the pantry. A meaty ham hock or other leftover meat can flavor a soup and make a hearty meal that feeds plenty, or makes several meals at once.
Split Pea soup
24 oz. dry split peas
1 meaty ham hock (I know where you could get one)
1 Tablespoon Garlic salt
¼ cup chopped onion
½ cup carrot slices
In large crock pot 4 ½ to 5 quart add rinsed peas with all the other ingredients. Fill with water turn on high. Start it in the evening before you go to bed and it will be ready for you the next day.
Alternate meats to add instead of the ham hock try Bacon uncooked and chopped into pieces, left over chicken or beef. Sausage of any kind cut into pieces. Just replace any of these for the ham hock for a different meal all together.
Serve with some hot sourdough bread for an easy dinner.
Enjoy this simple delicious hearty meal. Even simpler I have the split pea mix and ham hock available at the store ready to go. Enjoy!
David Theiss owner of Butler Gourmet Meats serving Carson City for almost 50 years.
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