Do Not Fear Pea Soup!

The Exorcist might have been the worst advertisement for pea soup. I'm almost certain that everyone that has seen that movie has been automatically turned away by that green "mess." You all are making a bad decision by not partaking in the satisfaction that this meal provides! First of all, it doesn't even taste like peas, or at least I don't think it does. It's like comfort in a bowl; the symbol that fall has officially arrived. What could you not like about split peas, honey baked ham, carrots, and celery? It's like smokey heaven! Need I say more? No, just try it for yourself! Below is the recipe and I promise it will not disappoint you. I almost forget to mention, it's cheap AND is full of nutrients (that means it's actually GOOD for you)!
This is what you need:
1 tbsp. butter/margarine
1 ham bone (you can buy these from Honey Baked Ham for about $5.00 or less)
1 lb. yellow or green split peas (rinse and drain them)
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 tsp marjoram
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Pinch of cayenne pepper
6 cups water (cheap, right?)


Directions:
First, cut most of the excess ham from the bone and cube (leave some on). Set that aside. In a very large pot heat the butter. Cook onion, celery, and carrots. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from getting brown. Add ham bone, marjoram,  pinch of cayenne, water, and peas. Bring to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce heat, and bring to a simmer. Let it do its thing for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until peas are very soft (kind of like mush). Remove ham bone. When it is cool enough to handle, cut off any extra meat. Discard the bone. Add the reserved ham to the pot. Add the apple cider vinegar at the end... and voila, you just made this:

Looks gross, tastes delicious!