one small bunch celery with leaves ·
four medium carrots ·
three white potatoes ·
one bunch swiss chard ·
half head of cabbage (2 cups) ·
two or three leeks

Now put these vegetables into the water, and bring to a slow boil, then add:
two meaty ham hocks (ask the butcher)

And simmer for one hour. After one hour remove the ham hocks and allow them to cool. Meanwhile,...cut into small pieces a  portion of salt-pork equal in size to half a cube of butter. (Ask your butcher about this item)

Saute along with ·
three cloves of garlic crushed, and
one small can of tomato sauce.

Add this mixture to the soup pot along with:
· one half can kidney beans
· two handfuls dried split peas
· one handful pastina (any tiny soup pasta)

Continue simmering while removing the meat from the cooled ham hocks, add this to the soup and cook until the pasta and peas are thoroughly soft.

This soup is a meal! Serve it with a hearty loaf of crusty bread or Woodlands garlic bread, and a green salad. It will surely become a winter favorite in your "famiglia".