I just made this yesterday and wanted to share!  It was a "hit" with everyone!  I wish I would have made more!  It was my first time ever making a soup with dried peas and in a slow-cooker.  I am finding that even though I haven't a clue how to cook, just trying recipes really does work!  My family thinks I'm a great cook, even though I really don't know how, I just open a cookbook and try new things - try it sometime!  Don't feel intimidated that you never learned how to cook - that's what cookbooks are for!  I have SO many cookbooks, and sadly most sit on the shelf, but let's face it- if we want to eat healthy, we're going to have to learn how to cook healthier meals for our families, not just rely on Costco to do it - besides - you save LOTS of money doing it from scratch, and your family will appreciate the efforts!

SPLIT-PEA WITH BACON CHOWDER

(I got this recip from:  Fast Cooking In A Slow Cooker Every Day Of The Year - A Slow Cooker Vegetarian Cookbook)  (only I cheated and added bacon for flavor and WOW!  It's yummy!)  :-)

(You should really double this recipe, it doesn't make very much, but if you're just wanting to try it, go ahead and use this recipe - I wish I would have doubled it though because everyone loved it!)

3 cups water

1 cup rinsed and drained split peas (dried)

1 cup peeled potatoes (I left the skin on) cut in bite-size pieces

1 cup thinly sliced, chopped or shredded carrots

3/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped celery

2 bay leaves (remove at the end)

1 1/4 teaspoon salt  (I also added a pinch of pepper)

3 pieces cooked bacon broken in small pieces

Put all the above in the slow cooker (I used the hottest setting) and stir every once in awhile until the veggies are tender, then add:

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder (I used garlic salt)

Stir it all up, do a taste test and enjoy with some bread or crackers or just by itself!

This is a very healthy recipe!  (lots of fiber and protein as well as other vitamins)