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About Noni's New Year's Black Eyed Peas

In the South, Black Eyed Peas are served on New Year's Eve and/or New Year's Day for good health and good luck. They are often accompanied by greens such as cabbage which represents prosperity for the New Year. Try this family recipe that Chiqui Collier, one of our heroes from New Orleans, let us share with all of you. Accompany it with a hearty plate of Corned Beef & Cabbage.

About Lynne Viera

Lynne is passionate about food which can be attributed to the fact that she was fortunate enough to grow up with a mother who was an incredible cook, a father who grew a garden that was the envy of the neighborhood and 6 siblings who all love to eat! Lynne is a second-generation American. Her grandparents are all from Portugal and the traditions and food of this country have had a big influence on her and inspired her to learn about other cultures and their food.

Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb fresh black eyed peas (or dried if fresh are not available)
1 meaty ham bone or 2 smoked ham hocks
4 tbsp bacon drippings (or vegetable oil)
1 large onion, chopped
½ tsp salt
black pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
a few sprigs of fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme
4 cups homemade chicken stock (or low-salt stock in the carton or plain water)

Special Equipment

6 quart Dutch oven with lid

How-to

If using dried peas, rinse them well and pick out any bad ones. Soak dried peas in cold water overnight. If using fresh peas, just rinse and drain well
In a 6 quart Dutch oven, heat 4 tbsp bacon drippings and sauté the onion for 2 minutes
Add the ham bone and continue to cook 2 minutes more
Add the drained beans, ½ tsp salt, black pepper to taste, the thyme and the bay leaf
Cover all with the chicken stock (or use plain water if you prefer); stir well and cover the pot
Lower flame to medium-low setting and cook for 25 minutes, then test for doneness. If using dried peas it might take a little longer