8 c. water
1 lb. dried split peas
2 lbs. smoked ham
1 med. onion
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 med. carrots, chopped
2 med. stalks celery, chopped

Heat water and peas to boiling. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover, and let stand 1 hour. Stir ham, onion, salt and pepper into peas. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, about 1 hour. Skim fat, if necessary.

Remove ham, trim fat and bone from ham. Cut ham into 1/2 inch pieces. Stir ham, carrots and celery into soup. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. Makes 8 (1 1/2 cup) servings.