Thanks for 'succotash' Sciencegeek, it looks really nice, simple and colourful too. I've taken a look to see how folks serve it and naturally a lot of stuff like salmon and steaks came up, though I did get an idea to serve it with 'blackened tofu' (I actually really like tofu before anyone comments!) and one other idea I thought was nice, to serve it as a stuffing for acorn squash.

I love split pea soup Stilly, though I don't make it as often as I could as it can be a slow process and when I make soup it's usually to eat pronto. Split pea soup's a great idea for this time of year in particlular though. And I like your idea of slowly caramelising the vegetables first for added flavour. In the UK liquid smoke has to be ordered online as no-one stocks it, though we can get smoked sea salt and smoked paprika which are both good for adding that 'bacony' flavour. The smoked paprika I cook with but smoked salt I would simply serve at the table for last minute seasoning.

Lots of nice ideas thanks, keep them coming :)