Making Split Pea Soup

This classic soup is easy to make at home and is a great way to use a leftover ham bone, or it can be made vegetarian. Rich in flavor, it's a family favorite that when served with some good hearty bread and butter, makes a wonderful meal.
1 pound split peas, looked over for small stones and rinsed
1 ham bone (omit if making vegetarian)
1 1/2 diced onion
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp parsley flakes
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced carrots
In a large pot, cover split peas with a half gallon of water. Bring to a boil, turn off heat, cover pot and let stand one hour.
After an hour, add the ham bone (if using), onion, salt, pepper and parsley. Bring back to a boil, reduce to a simmer and let simmer covered for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hours 30 minutes.
Remove ham bone and transfer to a plate. Remove any meat still attached to bone and return meat to pot. Add in carrots and celery. Stir and cook covered on a simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until carrots and celery are tender.