"Split the Vote" Pea Soup

The Republican establishment is lining up behind Romney and the Tea Party is lining up behind Gingrich.  Tomorrow should be a very interesting day.

“Split the Vote” Pea Soup

Makes 8 servings, 1 cup each

1 lb. dried green split peas, rinsed

1 meaty hambone, 2 ham hocks, 2 c. diced ham or 1 smoked turkey wing

3 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 stalks celery with leaves, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 tsp. Kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 quarts hot water

1/4 C chopped fresh parsley

Layer ingredients in slow cooker in the order given; carefully pour in water (Do not stir).  Cover and cook on HIGH 4 to 5 hours or LOW 8 to 10 hours, or until peas are very soft.

Remove meat and bay leaf. Mash peas a bit using a potato masher. Pull meat off of bones, shred and return to pot.  Stir in parsley and serve.