SLOW COOKER SPLIT PEA SOUP

7 cups water
1 (16 ounce) package dried split peas (2 1/4 cups), sorted and rinsed
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch slices (1 1/2 cups)
2 medium stalks celery, finely chopped (1 cup)
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 ham bone, 2 pounds ham shanks (or 2 pounds smoked pork hocks)

Mix all ingredients except ham in 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Add ham.

Cover and cook on Low heat setting 8 to 10 hours or until peas are tender.

Remove ham from cooker; place on cutting board. Pull meat from bones, using 2 forks; discard bones and skin. Stir ham into soup. Stir well before serving.

Makes 8 servings (1 1/2 cups each)
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe Booklet: Soup, Stew, and Chili, Betty Crocker Recipe Magazine, February 2004, #205