1 (16 oz.) bag split peas, washed (about 2 c.)
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped carrots
1/4 c. snipped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
8 c. water
1 c. diced potatoes
1 tsp. each oregano & basil
1 c. sliced celery
1 clove garlic, minced
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Bring water to a boil. In a 4 quart round casserole, combine peas, celery, onion, carrots, potato, garlic, bay leaf, parsley, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt and cayenne. Add boiling water. Cover and microwave on high 10 minutes or until mixture begins to boil. Stir and re-cover (stir every 10 minutes). Microwave on medium for 20 to 30 minutes or until peas are tender. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serves 6.