beans in large soup pot with 8 cups of water, onion, bay leaves, and celery seed. Cook over low heat, covered, about 1 1/2 hours. Then add the remaining vegetables and seasonings and cook about 45 minutes longer. Add more water if necessary.

Helpful Hints: Also can be made without lima beans; in this case, increase split peas to 2 cups. Freezes well. Makes a good sandwich spread; also good on baked potatoes. From the collection of Sue