Brandy's Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup (slow cooker recipe) - Brandy H.

• 1 (16 oz) pkg. dried green split peas, rinsed
• 1 meaty hambone, 2 ham hocks, or 2 cups diced ham
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 ribs of celery plus leaves, chopped
• 1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, or 2 tsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 tbsp seasoned salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp fresh pepper
• 1-1/2 quarts hot water

Layer ingredients in slow cooker in the order given above; pour in water.  Do not stir ingredients.  Cover and cook on HIGH 4 to 5 hours or on LOW 8 to 10 hours.  Mash peas to thicken more, if desired. (I found they were mushy enough on their own).  Serve garnished with croutons.  Freezes well.  Serves 8.