Lentil Soup with cookies

1 2/3 cups lentils (11 ounces), rinsed well 5 cups water 3 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf 4 garlic cloves, finely[...]

2 slices bacon , finely chopped 1 -2 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional) 1 stalk celery , diced 1/4 medium onion , diced 1 clove garlic , minced 2 quarts[...]

2 small ham bones , with meat 6 cups water 1 1/2 cups dried lentils 2 cups sliced carrots 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped onion 1 teaspoon Old Bay[...]