Blackeyed Peas

New Years will be upon us soon. Boy the year flew by and I am so blessed that it turned out to be a pretty good one. Being from New York I have learned a few Southern traditions living down here in Florida and how to cook is one of them. Southern food is great! Blackeyed Peas are actually a New Years tradition down here served on New Years Day to bring good luck and good fortune to those who eat this dish. There are a few different ways to make. Here's mine.

1 bag of dried black eyed peas ( it come in a one pound bag )
*Ham ( I used a ham steak I had in the freezer but you can use bacon, smoked ham hocks, smoked turkey leg )
1 vidalia onion chopped ( about a cup)
black pepper and salt
chicken boulion cube
oil
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
water
* I added a little liquid smoke to give the peas a little smokey taste because I didnt have any smoked meat. Also I rough chopped the ham into pieces before adding.

These beans actually do no have to soak over night. They are a soft bean unlike the kidney and black beans. Open the bag of beans and empty into a colander. Rinse them and check for any discolored beans or small pebbles. Set aside.
Using a big pot add some oil and the onions and garlic and cook till just turning soft. Add the beans, meat, boullion cube and fill the pot till you have covered the beans and continue till its about an inch over them. You will be adding more water later.
Bring to a boil for 2 mins and then turn down the heat till its a simmer. Add your salt and pepper to taste and then  cook for an hour. Keep checking to see if you have to add more water. These are done when the peas are soft and the broth is a little thick. You can eat these plain as is or serve over rice.