Crock Pot Split Pea Soup

NOTE: Yum, yum, yum! The key to this one is a ham that you love the flavors of. I saved the bone from our Christmas dinner which was a Wellshire brand ham. Also, if I had to do it again, I'd probably limit it to 1 qt. plus 2 cups of water because it probably would be better if it were a little less soupy. I think that's a matter of preference.

1 meaty, meaty bone from a ham
1 bag of dried, split peas
1 c. carrots, small dice 
2 ribs celery, small dice, include leaves
3 tbs. dried chopped onion
1 tsp. dried garlic granules
1 bay leaf
1/4 c. fresh parsley, minced fine
1 1/2 qt. chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste (I put 2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. pepper, if you have white pepper it will look nicer)

Put everything in the crock pot and set to cook for 8 hours.

A few minutes before you plan to serve it, carefully remove the ham bone, remove the meat and put the meat back in the crock pot. Check the seasoning to see if you want to adjust it.

Serve with freshly baked whole wheat bread.