Best Ever Black-Eyed Peas

Description: A Southern Classic! In most Southern homes, black-eyed peas are always served on New Year's Day for good luck. I usually cook these early on New Year's Eve day. That way, if we have guests over for a party that night, I can use part of this basic recipe to make "Texas Caviar" which is a fantastic salsa/dip to eat with tortilla chips. (that recipe follows)

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) package dried black-eyed peas
• 6 cups water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 ham hocks or 2 cups cooked ham, cut into small cubes
• 1 -2 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and chopped

Steps:

1. Sort and wash peas; place in a large Dutch oven.
2. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
3. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 1- 1 1/2 hours, or until peas are tender.