Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

As winter seems to be tightening its grip on the country, ones thoughts turn to comfort food.  What is more comforting that a pot of split pea soup on a harsh and cold winter night?

1. 1-pound package split peas
2. 1 ham hock (if not, get a ham steak and cube it)
3. 1 carrot diced
4. 1 onion diced
5. 1 rib of celery diced
6. 2 quarts vegetable stock
7. 1/4 teaspoon pepper
8. 1 bay leaf
9. 2 whole allspice
10. 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
11. 1 tsp. sugar

1. Wash and sort split peas, removing any stones.  Then combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low 8 - 10 hours
3. Remove ham bone, cut meat off and shred...return meat to soup.  Stir through.
4. Remove bay leaf before serving
5. Serve with favorite soup condiments such as a dollop of sour cream, croutons, chopped hard-boiled egg, etc.
6. Makes about 8 servings.

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