Mom's Thick Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Dried green split peas
• 4 cups Water
• 1 Onion -- chopped
• 2 Carrots -- pared and chopped
• 3 Celery tops
• 1 Bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper

Preparation:

• Wash peas well with cold water and drain.
• Place in large saucepan, add water and drain.
• Place in large saucepan, add water and bring to boil.
• Add remaining ingredients, reduce heat to the lowest point, cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours.
• Remove cover and mash with fork or in food mill.
• Cook without cover several minutes to thicken if necessary.
• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• For a thinner soup, puree in blender or food processor.
• Serve very hot.