I made this on SUnday and everyone loved it!

1 (16 oz) package dried green split peas, rinsed
1 meaty hambone or 2 hamhocks
3 carrots, peeled & sliced
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 ribs of celery plus leaves, chopped
1-2 cloves garlic,minced
1 bay leaf
2 tsp dried parsley
1 Tbl. seasoned salt(or to taste)
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 quarts hot water

Layer ingredients in the slow cooker in order given; pour in water. Do not stir ingredients. Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours or on low 8-10 hours, until peas are very soft and ham falls off bone. Remove bones and bay leaf. Mash peas to thicken the soup more, if desired. Serve garnished with croutons.
**THis soup freezes well.