Split Pea Soup

• 8 C water
• 1 lb dired split peas (2 1/4 C)
• 2 lb smoked ham
• 1 med. onion, chopped (about 1/2 C)
• 1 t salt
• 1/4 t pepper
• 2 med. carrots, cut up (1/2 " peices) = 1 C
• 2 med. celery stalks, cut up (1/2 " pieces) = 1C

Heat water and peas to boiling in Dutch oven; boil 2 minutes. REmove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hr.

Stir ham onion, salt and pepper into peas. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. cover and simmer until peas are tender about 1 hr. Skim fat if necessary. Remove ham; trim fat and bone from ham. Cut ham into 1/2 " pieces (about 4 C). Stir ham, carrots, and celery into soup. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes.

Note: You can use 6 slices bacon, or chopped boneless ham. or you can use a leftover ham bone and bacon. or just a left over ham bone.