Southern Black-eyed Peas

Why I Love This Recipe
I thought I would add this recipe since it is a Southern New Years Day dish in Georgia.
Ingredients You'll Need
1 pound dried black-eyed peas
3 quarts water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion -- chopped
1 medium hot pepper -- whole
2 teaspoons creole seasoning
1 teaspoon salt -- to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper -- to taste
6 slices smoked bacon -- chopped
1 medium ham bones
Directions
Cover the beans with water and soak overnight. Drain. Heat the oil in a large pot, add the onions, bacon and seasonings and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the ham bone,water, peas, and seasonings and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook about one hour, until the beans are creamy and tender. Add additional water if necessary. Check seasonings. May be served over rice as a main course, as a side dish, or thinned with ham stock and served as a soup.