CrockPot Split Pea soup

INGREDIENTS
16 ounce bag green split peas, rinsed well and drained
2 carrots peeled and chopped small
2 ribs celery chopped small
1/2 cup finely chopped white or yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt plus additional as needed
Fresh ground pepper to taste
1 meaty ham bone
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water, as needed to cover

INSTRUCTIONS
Layer the ingredients, through the ham bone, in a slow cooker in the order listed. Add about 4 to 5 cups of chicken broth, just enough to cover ingredients. Reserve remaining chicken broth for later. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours.
Stir occasionally during cooking time. When peas are tender, remove ham bone to a cutting board. Pull off tear the ham into small pieces and return it to the slow cooker. Discard ham bone and bay leaf. Use a spoon to lightly mash some of the peas against the side of the slow cooker and stir until nice and creamy, adding more broth, if needed, to reach desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, as needed.
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in microwave or in a saucepan on the stove. When reheating, thin with a little water or chicken broth, if desired.