8 cups water
1 pound dried split peas (about 2-1/4 cups)
1 to 2 lb smoked ham
1 med onion
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 or 3 carrots chopped
2 or 3 stalks celery chopped

From an old Betty Crocker Cookbook 

Heat water and peas to boiling. 
Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and cover.  Let sit for 1 hour.

Add ham (whole), onion, salt and pepper. 
Cover and simmer until peas are  tender, about 1 hour.

Remove ham and trim meat from bone.  (I usually use 1 lb boneless smoked ham)
Cut ham to 1/2 inch pieces. 
Stir ham, carrots, and celery into soup. 
Cover and simmer until veggies are tender, about 45 minutes.

Like I said, it freezes well and is a very convenient side to a sandwich or whatever.