Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Hoppin John for 2012 luck and prosperity

Since New Year's is almost here, I thought it only appropriate to share my hoppin' john recipe. Here in the South it's a tradition to eat blackeyed peas on January 1. It's supposed to give you good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

There are lots of hoppin john recipes out there, but mine is so much simpler. Most of my recipes are pretty quick and easy.

Hoppin John
Sort and rinse beans.
Put 6 cups water in a pot with 1 pound of blackeyed peas
Bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Cover and set aside for one hour.

Cut 6 slices of thick-sliced bacon into about one inch pieces.
Render until bacon is crispy, making sure not to burn it.

Add to the pot:
Crumbled bacon
Bacon grease
One bay leaf
One diced onion
3 large cloves garlic, peeled and pressed.

Cover and simmer until peas are soft. Approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour.

About 30 minutes into cooking time add salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.
Serve over rice or cornbread.

Chicken broth can be substituted for water. Garlic powder can be substituted for the fresh garlic.