Hoppin'+John

Hoppin' John is a traditional New Years' Day recipe in the South. It's purported to have been brought to the colonies by Africans who were enslaved people up and down the East coast of America, but mostly in the South. The tradition of eating Hoppin' John on New Years came to stand for "good luck" in the coming year. Some say it's because pigs are considered good luck in some parts of the world and pork is a key ingredient (ham hocks, bacon, ham bones, ham bits) and that the greens and peas accompanying it stand for money coming to you in the New Year. Anyway, Hoppin' John will be on my menu for New Years - here's my mother's recipe:


 * Ingredients ( for up to 6 or 4 big eaters)**
 * a medium to large onion chopped up
 * bacon drippings reserved after frying bacon for breakfast
 * 2 cups of black eyed peas (2 cans of black eyed peas, or 1/2 lb dried peas (you gotta soak these per directions- it takes awhile) or my favorite- 2 cups fresh frozen black eyed peas)
 * a well endowed ham bone, a ham hock (may need to ask butcher for this) or 1 cup of cooked ham
 * 1/4 tsp of pepper (some people add a dash of hot pepper sauce- more Louisiana style)
 * 3.5 cups of cooked rice - recommend the real deal not minute rice
 * salt to taste (ham will add salt to dish - why southerners have high blood pressure)


 * Companions are a must:**

cooked greens (your choice- collards, mustard or cooked spinach will do) see cornbread recipe from other blizzard recipes


 * PREPARATION:**

In a large pan or pot - preferably cast iron- sauté chopped onions in bacon drippings until they are tender. Then add black-eyed peas, ham product of your choice, and pepper. Simmer all of this for abt 20 minutes; then stir in cooked rice (hot) and salt. Serve in bowls HOT along with greens and cornbread. Enjoy your lucky New Year!

Oh yeah- some people believe you have to leave at least 3 black eyed peas in your bowl ( or on a plate) to maximize your luck!