2 qt. water
2 c. green split peas
1 branch celery, coarsely chopped
1 lg. carrot, chopped
1 sm. onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. ground thyme
1 pinch cayenne
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
Sm. slice of ham, chopped (optional)

Rinse peas in colander. No presoaking is required. Boil ingredients hard for 20 minutes, then slowly until peas are tender (about 1 1/2 hours). A small slice of ham chopped may be added after the 20 minutes of hard boiling.