Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup

What do you do when you can get hams for less than .38/lb? Stock up, eat lots of ham then make this soup with the ham bone! I made this knowing that I'd be the only one eating it and freezing it in portions for my lunch. Imagine my surprise when this was done cooking the same time our dinner was, and I found 3 of them eating a bowl!! Everyone liked it! *Gasp!*

I took some of the veggies and ham pieces out to set aside, then blended it all up for a smoother texture, then added the veggies and ham back in. It sure thickens up (even more the next day!) so you'll have to add more liquid to thin it out. Now, split pea soup is nothing pretty looking so imagine the flavor through my photos. =)

{this was the day I noticed my new crock-pot had a crack through it! Thank goodness I had my old one to use, and Costco exchanged it with no problems!}

Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup

slightly adapted from about.com

1 (16 oz.) pkg. dried green split peas, rinsed

1 meaty ham bone

1 cup 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

1 bay leaf

2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

1/2 tsp marjoram

1 tbsp. seasoned salt (or to taste)

1/2 tsp. fresh pepper

4 1/2 C hot water

1 can low sodium chicken broth

Layer ingredients in slow cooker in the order given; pour in liquids. 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. Blend peas to thicken more, if desired. Serve garnished with croutons. Freezes well.

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enjoy,