Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (16 oz.) bag split peas
1 ham hock or 2 to 3 slices country ham
4 ribs celery, cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces
1 large onion, cut into quarters
2 carrots, cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces
8 c. water
1 bay leaf

Preparation

Rinse peas.
Place in large pan or soup pot.
Add water, celery, onion, carrots and bay leaf.
Bring to boil.
Reduce to simmer, cover and cook 1 1/2 to 2 hours until thick.
Add about 1/2 teaspoon sugar and salt to taste.
(Remove any chunks of celery that did not cook down and the bay leaf.)
Ready to serve!