I prefer to make most crockpot recipes on school days so the kids are out of the house while the meal is cooking.  It’s especially important with split pea soup because the aroma of split pea soup will take over the house and by the time it’s dinnertime, we’ve all sort of lost our taste for it.  You know how that is, after you’ve smelled something cooking all day?  That’s why I love my crockpot.  I put something in, run errands or go to work, come back and enjoy the aroma for the first time that day.

Many of us save our best dining pieces for the holidays. They add a special feeling to the day, capturing something sentimental and timeless. Picture setting your table with your finest dishes that you’ve saved for special occasions such as this. The guests are about to start arriving. The candles are flickering; the linens and silverware are in place. And in the center is your lovely soup tureen as the perfect centerpiece for your delicious holiday meal. Your guests are sure to be quite impressed with your fabulous holiday serveware.