Split Pea Soup in the Crockpot

* 1 (16 oz.) pkg. dried green split peas, rinsed
* 1 hambone, or 2 meaty ham hocks, or 2 c. diced ham
* 3 carrots, peeled & sliced
* 1 med. onion, chopped
* 2 stalks of celery plus leaves, chopped
* 1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
* 1 tbsp. seasoned salt (or to taste)
* 1/2 tsp. fresh pepper
* 1 1/2 qts. hot water 

Layer ingredients in slow cooker, pour in water. DO NOT STIR. 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. Serve garnished with croutons. Freezes well.