Split Pea Soup with Ham

Name: Split Pea Soup with Ham
Ingredients: 1 lb. green split peas (soaked overnight or at least 5 hours); 1 lb. petite red potatoes (cut in quarters or cubed); 1 leek (green top removed, washed thoroughly and diced); 1 large onion (chopped); 1 cup carrot chips (or sliced carrots); 3 ribs celery (diced); 3-4 cloves garlic (sliced or minced); 24 oz. ctn. chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1/2-3/4 tsp. ground black pepper; 1 tsp. sea salt (or kosher salt); 2 cups ham (chopped ); 2 tbsp. lemon juice; 3 whole bay leaves; 1 qt. water; 1 tsp. Fresh parsley (for garnish, if desired); 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper (for garnish, if desired)