In the South, the arrival of the new year is celebrated with a culinary tradition that's as flavorful as it is symbolic - Black-Eyed Peas. These humble legumes hold a special place in Southern hearts, and they're an essential part of welcoming in the year ahead.

Known for their distinct appearance with a black spot on a creamy background, black-eyed peas have deep-rooted significance. They symbolize luck, prosperity, and good fortune, making them an indispensable dish on New Year's Day tables. It's believed that the more black-eyed peas you eat, the more luck you'll have in the coming year.

Traditionally served with greens, cornbread, and other soulful dishes, the combination represents a harmonious blend of flavors and colors. The greens symbolize money, and cornbread represents gold, making this Southern feast a true testament to hope for abundance in the year to come.

So, as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, don't forget to indulge in a serving of these savory Black-Eyed Peas. They not only make for a delicious meal but also remind us of the rich traditions and hopes that bind us together in the South. Here's to a year filled with blessings, prosperity, and good eats! 🥂🍽️✨

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Camellia black-eyed peas
• 2 ham hocks
• 1 piece of Tasso, diced
• 2 links of smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 onions, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 qt chicken stock
• Water as needed
• Boudreaux's Lil' Bit Better Creole seasoning
• Boudreaux's Low and Slow Simmer seasoning
• Light Olive oil

Directions:

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak them overnight if you have the time.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, brown the sausage and Tasso in a small amount of olive oil. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
3. In the same pot, cook down the onions and bell pepper until they become soft. Once softened, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the chicken stock, ham hocks, and season with Boudreaux's Lil Bit Better Creole seasoning. Add water as needed to cover the ingredients.
5. Simmer for approximately 2 1/2 hours or until the ham hocks become tender.
6. Remove the ham hocks from the pot, debone them, shred the meat, and then add it back into the pot along with the browned sausage.
7. Continue cooking for approximately another hour or until the black-eyed peas are soft and creamy, and the flavors meld together beautifully.
8. Serve this delicious dish over rice and savor the Southern flavors. Enjoy!