Split Pea Soup

8-9 cups water
2 cups split peas
1 large onion, diced
2 medium potatoes, cubed
2 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1-2 tsp. salt
½ tsp pepper
1/4 tsp dried marjoram
1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves

Place peas, water, onion, potatoes, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, marjoram, and thyme in a large heavy pan. Bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low; simmer 1-2 hours or until peas are tender. Add 1 cup diced ham if desired.

Goes great with Yummy Cornbread.