Crock Pot Split Pea Soup

from favorite family recipes

**This makes quite a lot.. if you don't have a large crock pot, I would suggest halving the recipe.

1 pkg (about 2 1/2 c. or 1 lb.), dried split peas
9 c. chicken broth (if you like it thick, use 8 c.)
4 carrots, coarsely chopped
3 medium potatoes, diced small
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 Lb. diced ham (about 2 c. or so)
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf

Combine all ingredients in Crock Pot and cook on low for about 7-8 hours (or on high for about 4-5 hours). Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve with sliced french bread.