1 lb. green split peas
1 tbsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 tbsp. butter
1 meaty ham bone
2 celery stalks (cut in small pieces)
1 lg. onion
1/2 c. diced carrots
1/2 c. cabbage (cut in small pieces)

Get 2 quarts of water boiling. Rinse and drain the split peas, add peas, ham and all the rest of the ingredients to the boiling water (make sure its boiling) cover and cook slowly for 2 hours. Stir occasionally so peas won't stick to the bottom of pan.

If soup cooks down and seems too thick (remember this is a thick soup by nature then add more boiling water)