Split Pea Crock Pot Soup

Serves 4

8 oz dry split peas (half of a one pound bag)
4 C water (about)
2 or 3 carrots, chopped
3 or 4 stalks celery, chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
1 or 2 cloves garlic, chopped (optional)
1 red or russet potato, chopped (the potato is supposed to thicken the soup)
1/2 C chopped ham (optional)

Combine all in the crock pot and cook on low all day or high for half the day. You'll know when it is done because the peas will mush into a green glob instead of individual peas, but the veggies do NOT need to be goop. What makes this soup good is that there is a texture other than "goop", so the veggies are essential.

When the soup is done, add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches and (optional) sprinkle crispy bacon on top.

My 2 year old always dips his grilled cheese in the soup and he loves it. We all do! Yum!