Serving Black-Eyed Peas
Serving Black-Eyed Peas (some folks refer to them as cowpeas) on New Year’s Day is a Purple Cowboy tradition. Yes, some folks believe they are lucky – we say…can’t hurt and they are tasty when a lot of bacon is included in the recipe! And – they go well with a nice red wine like Purple Cowboy.
Here is our recipe ….notice is includes a POUND of bacon!
Ingredients: 1 Pound Bacon; 1 Pound of dried black-eyed peas; 1 teaspoon of salt (I usually add more); and lots and lots of water.
Cut bacon into small pieces and fry in dutch oven or similar pot. While bacon is frying, clean black-eyed peas and let drain well. Once the bacon is brown, add black-eyes to the pot…stir well and coat with grease (yikes). Stir them around for a minute or so and add cold water from tap until peas are covered – keeping water level about an inch above the peas…You can always add more water later . Put the pot back on the stove over medium high heat and stir the peas. As soon as the ater starts boiling, turn down the head and maintain a light simmer. Cook uncovered for at least an hour. Stir often to keep them from sticking. Add water if needed. Cook until peas are tender and the consistency you prefer. Some folks serve over rice – we eat them plain in a bowl with hot sauce.