"Something magical happens when dried split peas break down into a thick, naturally creamy, and delicious soup over several hours in the slow cooker. Here, all you do is lay down a layer of dried slit peas in your crockpot’s insert, then add a layer of diced carrot, celery, and yellow onion, with some garlic, parsley, and a bay leaf. Drop in a ham bone or smoked ham hocks, pour in chicken or veggie stock and water, turn on the slow cooker, and you’re on your way to making the ultimate comforting soup. This soup freezes well, so make a batch and save extra for later. Make-ahead note: The recipe can be prepared through step 1 the night before and refrigerated, covered, in the slow cooker’s insert. For more crockpot soups, check out our Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup, Slow Cooker Pork Ramen, and Slow Cooker Chicken Soup...."