Dakin's Split Pea Soup 1 lb split peas 2 qts water 1 onion, chopped 1 large carrot, diced (optional) 1 stalk celery, finely chopped 1 tsp salt 6 peppercorns or ground pepper 1 meaty ham bone and/or 1/2-1 lb ham pieces Wash and drain peas. Put all the ingredients except ham pieces in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer for 2-3 hours. Add the diced ham the last half hour. The soup will thicken if left overnight. Variation: add noodles last 20 minutes of cooking. Great served with Johnny Cake or Vermont Cornbread.