Split Pea Soup
["1 lb. cleaned split peas", "2 qt. cold water", "1 meaty ham bone (optional)", "1 1/2 c. chopped onion", "1/2 tsp. each: basil and pepper", "1/4 tsp. each: marjoram and thyme", "1 tsp. salt", "1 bay leaf", "1 c. each: chopped celery, carrots and potatoes"]
["Cover split peas with cold water.", "Simmer gently 2 minutes and remove from heat.", "Cover and let stand 1 hour.", "Add ham bone, onion, basil, pepper, marjoram, thyme, salt and bay leaf.", "Bring to a boil and simmer 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.", "Add and cook slowly uncovered 30 to 40 minutes longer:", "chopped celery, carrots and potatoes.", "Remove meat from ham bone and return to soup; discard bone."]
["peas", "cold water", "ham bone", "onion", "basil", "thyme", "salt", "bay leaf", "celery"]