A New Year's Good Luck Recipe

Happy New Year!
Hoppin' John
Black Eyed Pea Soup

1 lb. Black Eyed Peas
12 Cups water
1 cup finely diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon thyme
1 Cup diced green pepper
Salt, Black Pepper and Cayenne to taste.
Optional:
1 Ham bone
If more flavor is needed add:
4 or 5 smoked sausage rings.

Soak peas overnight. Look over and rinse the next morning. Place in a large stew kettle, 8 quarts or more, cover with the water, add ham bone, turn heat on, bring to boiling, turn down to a medium heat. Add onion, celery, minced garlic, thyme, diced green pepper, salt and peppers( I use a tablespoon of black pepper, a teaspoon and a half salt and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne to start. Adjust later. Sound just be able to feel the sting of the peppers on your tongue.) Taste test. If needed add smoked sausage rings.

Simmer until sausage is hot. Serve with your favorite crackers. I like natural wheat crackers.

Legend has it, if you eat a tablespoon of Cooked, hot with peppers Black Eyed Peas on New Year's Day, good luck will come your way the rest of the year.