Split Pea and Ham Soup

Sometimes, not real often, but sometimes, I get a craving for Split Pea and Ham Soup.  When that happens, I make this recipe- one I've had for many, many years.  It just hits the spot- especially if served with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Split Pea and Ham Soup
2 1/2 cups green split peas
1 meaty ham bone OR 1 ham steak cut up in chunks
 1 large onion, sliced
1 heaping tsp. salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon marjoram
2 large stalks celery, diced
2-3 carrots, peeled and diced

Put the peas in a colander and rinse them.  Combine in a pot (or slow cooker) with 2 quarts water, ham bone, onion, salt, pepper. and marjoram.  Bring to boiling.  Cover.  Simmer for about 1-2 hours until peas soften.  Remove bone, let cool and cut off meat.  Discard the bone.  Return the meat to the soup and add the celery and carrots.  Cook slowly for another hour or so.  Mash the soup with a potato masher, if desired.