WOW

Happy new year!

For those of us from the south, blackeyed peas are a new years day requirement and this year was no exception for me.  I decided to experiment a little and combine the following two recepies:

Zap2it Black-Eyed-Peas

Homesick Texan’s Black Eyed Peas

The combo amounted to something like this:

1 pound of Black-eyed Peas
2 Jalepenos, diced
4 strips of Bacon
Salt and Pepper to taste (I used a smoked serano salt and some fresh ground pepper)
1 small Onion/half a large Onion
1/4 package of fresh Thyme
2 Bay leaves
5 cloves of Garlic
1 can Diced Tomatoes (14 oz)
1 can low-sodium Chicken Broth
2 cups Water
~1 teaspoon Chili Powder
~1 teaspoon Red Chili Pepper flakes

1. Cook bacon in a large dutch oven until crispy, then remove to a plate
2. To bacon drippings add onions, garlic, and Jalapenos. Saute for 10 min or until softened.
3. Add Thyme, salt and pepper, and other spices. Cook till fragrant.
4. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, water and crumbled up Bacon. Let simmer for a couple of minutes.
5. Add Peas, and bring to boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until tender (about an hour).

This turned out great! Feel free to experiment and pass on.