Serves 12 (freezes well)
1 pound split peas – rinsed
1 ham bone – optional
1 onion – chopped
2 carrots – peeled and sliced
1 stalk celery – chopped
2 cloves garlic – pressed
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 quarts water – use chicken broth if not using a ham bone.
salt and pepper – to taste
Put all ingredients into a crock pot, except the salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours, or until peas are very soft. Before serving, remove bones and bay leaf.
Salt and pepper to taste.