Tackee David s Split Pea with Ham

1 pound dried split peas

8 cups water

1 meaty ham bone

1 cup chopped onion

¼ teaspoon dried marjoram leaves, crushed

¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

1 cup chopped celery

½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Place the peas and water into a large soup pot over medium heat; bring to a boil, boil for 2 minutes, and set aside off the heat to cool for 1 hour.

Place the ham bone into the pot with the peas, and stir in onion, marjoram, thyme, garlic powder, and salt; bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove the ham bone, and cut as much ham as possible from the bone; chop the ham, and return to the soup. Stir in celery. Discard ham bone. Bring soup back to a simmer, and cook for 45 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt.