[manaboutown]

I do it fast and easy: in eight cups of water, one bag of washed split peas, two bay leaves, four chopped cloves, half a large sweet onion sliced and cut into one inch long pieces, four stalks of cut up celery including the leaves, three or four coined medium/large carrots depending on their size as carrots can overwhelm the flavor, half a red bell pepper cut up for color and a little zest, and yes, usually but not always some diced red potatoes. I cube cut some smoked or honey ham and add that. I vary the amounts of the various ingredients a little each time to change the end result. I simmer and occasionally stir the whole concoction until the peas get mushy and come apart. I let it set for a while to let the flavors develop. Bon appetit! Yum, yum!