Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Ham hocks or chunks of ham (about 1 to 1 1/2 lbs)
1 lb. dried split peas
2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, diced
8 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Add the ham, peas, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth and thyme to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. If you used ham hocks, remove them with tongs, making sure to pick off any extra meat and add it to the soup. Shred all the meat into smaller pieces and return it to the soup. Stir and serve with corn bread.