• 1 (16 oz.) pkg. dried green split peas, rinsed
  
• 2 cups diced ham
  
• 3 chopped carrots
  
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
  
• 2 ribs of celery plus leaves, chopped
  
• 1 or 2 cloves of minced garlic
  
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
  
• 1 tbsp. seasoned salt (optional)
  
• 1/2 tsp. fresh pepper
  
• 7 cups hot water

Place ingredients in slow cooker in 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.

ay leaf. Mash peas to thicken more, if desired. Serve garnished with croutons. Freezes well.