Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

1 package 1-lb. dried split peas
1 cup carrots, 1/2″ dice
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup parsnip; peeled, diced
1/2 cup celery w/leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cans 13.3/4-oz. chicken broth
3 cups -water
2 large smoked ham hocks, 1-lb. each

Garnish:
garlic croutons
parsley, chopped

Directions

In a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine everything except ham hocks and garnish. Add ham hocks, submerging them in mixture. Cover; cook on low heat setting for 8 to 9 hours., until peas are very soft. Remove ham hocks; skim fat from surface of soup. Trim fat from hocks. Cut meat from bones and shred; stir into soup. Ladle into 6 bowls. Garnish each serving with garlic croutons and parsley.