Southern Peas

Black-eyed peas are usually used in this simple recipe, but you can also substitute pink-eyed peas or crowder peas. On New Year’s day, the number of peas you eat represents the amount of coins that will come to you in the new year. The greens, of course, represent the greenbacks or paper money you will receive throughout the year.

Ingredients

1 pound package of dried black-eyed peas

2 quarts water

1 ham hock, piece of salt pork, or several pieces of bacon

salt and pepper to taste

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Ingredients

Wash peas and soak overnight or at least for 5 hours in cold water. Drain. Put peas in large pot with 2 quarts water. Add ham hock or bacon. Simmer for about 2 hours or until peas are tender. Add water if needed while cooking.

Serve peas with spicy chow-chow for a great-tasting traditional combination.