Black eyed peas are often called crowder peas and cow peas. Cow peas are actually black eyed peas but crowder peas are a different pea. You could substitute crowder peas in this recipe if you like.

A note of interest...black eyed peas are eaten by Southerners on New Years Day. It is a tradition and is suppose to bring good luck for the New Year

Ingredients

* 2 1/2 cups black eyed peas
* water, as needed, to cover about 4 inches above top of peas
* 1/2 tablespoon salt
* 1/4 tablespoon black pepper
* 1 medium size onion (whole)
* 1 slice bacon (un-cooked)
* 1/4 tsp garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp vinegar
* dash hot sauce (Tabasco) optional
* 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)

Directions

Place all ingredients in a large cooking pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 40 minutes or until peas are tender. Add additional water if needed to keep peas covered. If all the water boils away the peas will burn quickly, so watch closely.

A dash of hot sauce may be added to the simmering peas if you like them a little spicy. Note that the addition of bell pepper is not traditional but does add flavor.
4 servings

Really good with Southern Cornbread