Lentil Bacon Potato Soup

Ok, so I realize that the picture is not the most appetizing but I felt like I should still add it either way.
So the other day I tried a lentil soup at my sister-in-laws, and although it was good, I had this idea in my head of what I wanted it to taste like, so I went home the next day, looked up many recipes of lentil soup and came up with this concoction, (which if I say so myself turned out great!). Even Abel liked it (Haley's hubby) and what I hear is unless its meat and rice he is hard to please...haha.
Anyway, this is a very simple crock-pot recipe for you busy moms (or other busy people) and its hearty and warm for the cold weather.

Ingredients:
5 slices of bacon, diced
1/2 an onion, diced
4-5 carrots, chopped
1 lb. of dry lentils, rinsed and picked over
3-4 medium potatoes, washed or peeled and cubed
8 c of water
5 bouillon cubes (enough for 5 c of water)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Turn on your crock-pot to high heat and put in the bacon, onion, and carrot. (I cut them up as I went so they had a little time to start cooking while I was cutting up everything else) Add the lentils and 5 cups of water. Let them cook for 1 1/2-2 hours. Come back and add the last 3 cups of water, the bouillon and the potatoes. Cook for another 2-3 hours. This not exact so keep an eye on it. As soon as the lentils and potatoes are soft it is finished. You may need to add more water depending on the consistency you want (I really liked mine thick). Also taste it and if you need to add more bouillon, salt or pepper, go for it (even a bay leaf at the beginning would be a great idea!)
We ate this with a slice of crusty bread...yum!

Side notes: Keep in mind that this recipe is variable. If you want more onion or carrots or any other vegetables give it a try. Lentils have a great creamy texture so they really work well with many other ingredients. Let me know if you try something different, I'd love to hear of the variations you come up with!

Thanks for reading,
Sydney