Split Pea Vegetable Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. dried, split peas
3 qt. water
1 meaty ham bone or 1 1/2 lb. ham hocks
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. marjoram leaves
1 1/2 c. chopped onions
1 c. chopped celery
1 c. chopped carrots
more salt (if needed)

Preparation

Combine peas and water.
Bring to boil in large kettle and simmer for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat; cover and let stand for one hour or more.
Add ham bone or ham hocks, pepper and marjoram leaves.
Bring to boil; cover and simmer 2 more hours.
Add onions, celery, carrots and salt.
Turn off heat and let soup stand for awhile.
Vegetables will be crispy.
If softer vegetables are desired, add to soup mix earlier in the cooking process.
Serve with crusty French bread and cheese.