Creamy Pea Soup
["1 (16 oz.) pkg. dry split peas", "1 (8 oz.) pkg. cooked bacon", "3 celery stalks, diced", "1 large onion, diced", "8 to 10 c. water", "3 large potatoes", "2 tsp. salt", "1/4 tsp. pepper", "3 beef bouillon cubes", "1 bay leaf", "2 c. cream", "1 c. chopped parsley"]
["Rinse peas in cold water; set aside.", "In a 6-quart Dutch oven, cook bacon; drain and dice.", "In bacon fat, cook celery and onion until clear.", "Add peas, water and everything but cream.", "Bring to boil; reduce heat to low.", "Cover; simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until peas are tender.", "Stir.", "Take out bay leaf.", "Fill blender 3/4 full; blend until pureed.", "Pour into large bowl; continue until done.", "Return to same Dutch oven.", "Add cream; cook until hot, 10 to 15 minutes.", "Stir.", "Serve with crumbled bacon and parsley on top.", "Serves 12."]
["peas", "bacon", "celery stalks", "onion", "water", "potatoes", "salt", "pepper", "bay leaf", "cream", "parsley"]