Spiked Split Pea Soup

1 lb split peas
2 cans beer
5 cups water, part chicken stock or broth
1 lb diced ham or 2 lbs ham hocks
1 chopped onion
2 stalks celery w/tops, chopped
1 or 2 carrots, chopped or sliced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
parsley
1 bay leaf

Combine all ingredients in soup pot.

Sometimes I sauté veggies first in a bit of olive oil for a little more flavor, sometimes not.