Split Pea and Ham Soup

Split Pea and Ham Soup Ingredients: 1 (16 oz.) pkg. dried green split peas, rinsed 1 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 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 2 qts. hot water Layer ingredients in slow cooker in the order given; pour in water. Do not stir ingredients for first two hours. 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. Add croutons and bacon bits if desired.