Bob’s crockpot split pea soup

 Easy and a favorite—Makes 4 large soup bowls

INGREDIENTS 

3 medium carrots, chopped 

1 onion , chopped 

1-2 teaspoons minced garlic 

1 bay leaf

16 ounces of dried split peas

1 and 1/2 quarts of water ( can substitute with vegetable broth if desired)

1-2 tsp salt

Black pepper- to taste

Optional: 4-6 fresh basil leaves chopped, a few drops of liquid smoke hickory 

DIRECTIONS 

Mix together all but the liquid smoke and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high4-5 hours.  I sometimes cook on low for 7 hours and add an extra hour on high. At the end add the liquid smoke and season to taste. Or 4 hours high and then 2 on low.