Best Ever Black-Eyed Peas

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)

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 8

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

Directions

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.