Simmer the peas with the ham bone 2 1/2 hrs. Add the other ingredients and simmer 1/2 hr more. Remove the bone and cut off the meat. Return the meat to the pot. Scoop out a 1/2 cup of the pea mixture, puree and return to the pot OR make a slurry or water and 2 Tablespoons flour and add; cook until soup thickens. Adjust the seasonings and serve. Variations: Use a chicken or turkey carcass and chopped bacon. Add chopped cooked sausage at the end of the cooking process. Add a small amount of turnip. Add oregano, marjoram or sage. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Posted to MM-Recipes Digest V3 #358 From: software_answers@cyberspc.mb.ca (S.Pickell) Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 04:05:29 GMT