A good serving of Black Eyed Peas is a great way and some say a lucky way to start off the New Year. Here is a simple recipe to get you and your new year off to a good start.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 ham hock or 1/2 cup of diced ham
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 cups of water

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the soaked black-eyed peas, onion, bell pepper, garlic, ham hock (or diced ham), salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the black-eyed peas for 1 1/2-2 hours, or until they are tender.
3. Remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat. Discard the bone and return the shredded meat to the pot.
4. Serve the black-eyed peas hot, with your choice of side dishes.

Enjoy!