• 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

1. 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.

I thought I would add this recipe since it is a Southern New Years Day dish in Georgia.