Crockpot Split Pea Soup

In 4-6 quart crockpot, combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Just before serving use a potato masher to mash some of the peas in the soup for a thicker consistency. Serves 6-8 NOTE: Split peas should soften just fine in this amount of cooking time. They do not need presoaking. If your split peas are hard after this length of cooking time, there is something wrong with the peas or with your water. If the peas are very old and dried out they won't soften. And if the water you use for making the soup is hard with lots of dissolved minerals that can stop the peas from softening. Use bottled water if that is the case.