New Year's Black-Eyed Peas for Luck

We always have these for New Years--call it a tradition. I like them anytime of the year, but we always have a guest that expects this on New Years Day.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 10
• Yields: 2 QTS.

Ingredients

• 3 (15 ounce) cans black-eyed peas
• 1  lb ham or 1  lb  cooked sausage or 1  lb cooked pork
• 2  tablespoons  oil
• 1  onion, chopped
• 1  tablespoon  jalapeno, chopped (optional)
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
•  salt and pepper
• 1⁄2 cup Rotel tomatoes & chilies (optional)

Directions

1. Place peas in large pan or crock pot to simmer (a crock pot will keep it warm all day for guests).
2. Saute sliced polish sausage or ham in oil with onion till done; add to peas.
3. If using Rotel tomatoes & green chilies, add it too.