Andersen's Split Pea Soup

Description
From Andersen's Pea Soup Restaurant
 * Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Source: My Old Recipes
 * Serves 8

Ingredients

 * 8 cups water
 * 2 cups green split peas
 * 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
 * 1 large carrot, chopped
 * 1 small onion, chopped
 * ¼ tsp thyme
 * dash red pepper
 * 1 bay leaf
 * salt, pepper

Directions

 * 1) Mix water, peas, celery, carrot, onion, thyme, red pepper and bay leaf in large kettle.
 * 2) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
 * 3) Boil vigorously for 20 minutes.
 * 4) Reduce heat.
 * 5) Cover and simmer until split peas are tender.
 * 6) Press soup through a fine sieve and reheat to boiling point.