Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 pkg. split green peas
1 ham bone (meaty)
5 or 6 carrots, sliced
1 c. celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. celery salt
salt and pepper to taste
5 to 6 qt. water

Preparation

Place peas in large kettle.
Cover with water; wash well. Drain and cover with 4 quarts of water.
Bring to a boil; simmer 5 minutes.
Shut off and let sit overnight or at least 2 hours. When ready, bring to a boil with ham bone or meat.
Add rest of ingredients and simmer 1 hour.
Remove ham bone; allow to cool. Remove meat and chop.
Add back to soup; cook until thick and smooth.
Season to taste.
Serve with cornbread.