Split Pea Soup
["2 c. split peas", "2 qt. cold water", "2 stalks celery, chopped", "2 to 3 onions, chopped", "2 carrots, peeled and chopped", "1 bay leaf", "2 sprigs thyme", "4 knockwurst, sliced", "salt and pepper to taste", "croutons"]
["Combine split peas and water in soup kettle.", "Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes.", "Remove from heat and let stand 1 hour.", "Add vegetables, bay leaf and thyme.", "Simmer, partially covered, 2 1/2 hours or until peas are soft.", "Press mixture through food mill.", "Return to kettle.", "Add knockwurst and additional water if necessary.", "Simmer 30 minutes.", "Season with salt and pepper.", "Garnish with croutons.", "(I skip the food mill since we like the vegetables as they are.)"]
["peas", "cold water", "stalks celery", "onions", "carrots", "bay leaf", "thyme", "salt", "croutons"]