Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While water is coming up to temperature, prepare a bowl of ice water and grab yourself a strainer. Once water is at a boil, drop in the diced potatoes and boil for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes remove potatoes from boiling water and drop into ice bath. Next up, carrots into the boiling water, cook for 2 minutes and then remove and place in ice bath. Lastly drop in the wax beans and boil for one minute, and then drop them into the ice bath. Don't worry about blanching the peas at this time. Pour out the water from the pot.
Place the same large pot over medium heat. Once temperature has been reach add in a tsp of oil and then the diced bacon. Cook to render out the fat and then remove the bacon with a slotted spoon once it is nice and crispy. Set aside for garish or just for a snack for the chef. Now, drop in the onions and bay leaves. Saute until the onions are translucent. Make sure to pause her and enjoy the smell.
Next up whisk 1 tsp of flour to the 3 cups of milk and then pour the whole mixture into the pot with the onions. Reduce the temperature to low and allow the milk to simmer gently for 10 minutes. You can pop the shelled peas in at this point. Season with salt, black pepper, chives, and dill.
Ladle out a bowl of Hodge Podge to some one you love, or just enjoy it as an act of self care. That is a hug for the soul. Thanks for cooking along :)
