Before I forget, I must write down this year's version of Hoppin' John that I made on New Year's Day. It was the best I have ever made. Eating Hoppin' John on NY day is supposed to bring you good luck. Here it is:
Hoppin' John (click title for printer friendly version)
1 lb. bag black eyed peas
1/2 lb. bacon, diced
2 large onions, diced
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 t. cayenne pepper
1 smoked ham hock
1 t. kosher salt, or more to taste.
Soak beans overnight in enough water to cover then by a couple inches. Drain and put in a crock pot. Brown bacon and drain off fat. Add bacon to pot, drain off grease, leaving a tablespoon in the pan. Add onions and saute until soft. Add garlic and saute further until fragrant. Don't burn it. Add to pot. Add ham hock. Add enough water to cover. Cook in crockpot on low for 10 hours, or on high for 6, skimming occasionally. Add salt at end of cooking time. Remove hock and dice up meat and add before serving, if desired. Serve over hot white rice with plenty of Frank's Hot sauce.