Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

    * 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 medium onion chopped, or 1/2 cup
    * 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, ham & chicken broth will be salty, you may need less or none)
    * 1/2 tsp. fresh pepper
    * 1 1/2 qts. hot water or low sodium chicken broth (about 6 cups)

PREPARATION:
Layer ingredients in slow cooker in the order given; pour in water or broth. 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.