Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup by Aimee

"http://southernfood.about.com/od/crockpotsoup/r/bl17c5.htm

Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hoursIngredients:
•1 (16 oz.) pkg. dried green split peas, rinsed
•1 meaty hambone, 2 ham hocks, or 2 cups diced ham (I like to
use boneless pork chops for a lower fat content)
•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 teaspoons dried parsley
flakes
•1 tbsp. seasoned salt (or to taste)
•1/2 tsp. fresh pepper
•1 1/2 qts. hot water
Preparation:
Layer ingredients in slow cooker in the order given; pour in
water. Do not stir ingredients. Cover and cook on HIGH 4 to 5
hours or on low 8 to 10 hours until peas are very soft and ham
falls off bone. Remove bones and bay leaf. Mash peas to thicken
more, if desired. Serve garnished with croutons. Freezes well.
Serves 8."