Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

16-ounce package dried green split peas, rinsed
1 meaty ham bone, 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
2 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon seasoned salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon fresh pepper
1-1/2 quarts hot water
1/2 cup light cream

1. Layer all ingredients except cream and water in slow cooker in the order given.
2. Pour in water. Do not stir.
   
3. Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours or on low 8-10 hours, until peas are very soft and ham falls off the bone.
   
4. Remove bones and bay leaf. Mash peas to thicken soup. Add cream just before serving.

Serve garnished with croutons. Freezes well.

Serves 8.

This is a great way to use leftover ham. It is so good and so easy!