Happy New Year!

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To celebrate bringing in 2015 here's a link to a post with my favorite Black Eyed Peas recipe of all time.  If you think that black eyed peas are bland, try this recipe. Ham and chili peppers pick up the recipe. Use dry black eyed peas instead of fresh or canned. The peas (which are actually beans) will soak up the flavoring as they rehydrate.  The onion can be replaced with a shallot to improve digestibility in people sensitive to onions. The leftovers are just as delicious as the fresh-made peas.

What's the deal with black eyed peas and New Years? It's considered good luck for a prosperous new year in the US South.  It's believed the practice began during the Civil War when fields had been stripped bare of other food and there was little else to eat (sources: wikipedia, others and others). Any way you look at it, the easy-to-make stewed meal, served with greens and cornbread, is a nice and flavorful way to bring in the new year.

Enjoy and Happy New Year!