Black Eyed Peas

Holiday/Special Occasions

1 pound black eyed pea

4 cups water

¼ pound cooked ham, chopped

1 small sweet yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon dried thyme

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste*

*Salting the water slows the cooking time and toughens the peas. Add salt and pepper just before serving.

Sort peas and soak overnight. Discard liquid. Bring all ingredients to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat immediately and simmer about 50 minutes or until peas are tender.

Yield: 6 servings.

Carolyn Gass Hardimon, M. S. Home Economist