#338 split pea soup with ham hock

1 smoked ham hock
1/2 bag split peas (~1 cup)
1 medium potato (diced)
2 small carrots (diced)
1 bay leaf
salt/pepper

Cover ham hock with water (maybe 6 cups?), add bay leaf and peas and simmer until peas begin to dissintegrate ~30 mins. Add potato and carrots and simmer ~45 mins. Season with salt/pepper, remove ham hock and cut off any meat. Return meat to the pot and serve.