Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb (2 1/4 c) green split peas
1 meaty ham bone (1 1/2 lbs)
1 1/2 c sliced onion
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 c diced celery
1 c diced carrots

Directions:

Cover peas with 2 quarts cold water and simmer gently 2 minutes; remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour.  Add bone, onion, salt, and pepper.  Bring to boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer (don't boil) 1 1/2 hrs.  Stir occasionally.  Remove bone; cut off meat and dice.  Return meat to soup; add vegetables.  Cook slowly, uncovered, 30-40 minutes.  Serves 6-8