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Black Eyed Peas for New Year's Day
By Brenda Hyde
Blackeyed peas have long been a tradition for the New Year's table.
They supposedly bring good luck for the coming year, and eating
them shows "humility". Some Southerners have been rumored to
eat one pea for each day of the year to insure good fortune! They
are a humble food, therefore, eating them represents humility. The
taste of blackeyed peas are unlike other beans, and unless you've
grown up eating them, as my husband did, you may find the taste a
bit "earthy". In our house, we cook blackeyed peas with ham hocks,
or a ham bone, and water. That's it. No fooling with the recipe is
allowed! However, I do have several recipes you can use if you prefer
a spicy version. They make a nice side dish served with cornbread,
ham and greens, if your family enjoys a Southern style meal. The
spicy versions are good served with fajitas, tamales or similar dishes.
Blackeyed Peas and Ham
Ingredients:
1 pound dried blackeyed peas
2 ham hocks or a ham bone with ham left on it
Pepper to taste
onions, sliced
hot sauce
Place the ham bones or hocks in a crockpot, add
the peas after they have been rinsed (but not soaked),
and cover with water completely. Cook all day on low,
or 4 or 5 hours on high. Crockpots vary, so keep checking.
You may need to add more water. Stir a couple of times
while checking. Some people like them almost mushy,
but I like them not quite that soft. Season with pepper
if you wish. Serve with slices of onion and hot sauce-a
smooth cayenne variety.
Soak the peas overnight in enough water to cover. Drain them,
and add to a large pan or Dutch oven, covering with about 2 1/2
cups hot water. Add other ingredients and stir. Simmer for
1 1/2 hours or until peas are soft.
About the author
Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three who lives in the
winter wonderland of Michigan. She is a freelance writer and
editor of OldFashionedLiving.com.
SeptemberLady "Born and have lived in Southern MD most of my life. My husband and I just finished building a new home on the family farm, where I hope to retire in the near future.
My interests: Doll collecting, cookbook collector (especially old ones), antiques, family/friend get-togethers, cooking/baking, flower and vegetable gardening, bird-watching."
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Memorial Day: Backyard Grilling
Growing and Using Garlic Chives
The Perfect Porch Swing