The only way to eat black eyed peas - at my house anyway is this recipe for Hoppin' John. I fix it every New Years Day along with the pork, cabbage, greens, and cornbread. I love this and I don't normally like black eyed peas. Hoppin' John 1 cup dried black eyed peas 4 cups water 3 tsp. salt 4 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces 1 med. onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 c. uncooked long grain white rice 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1 tbsp. minced fresh parsley 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can whole tomatoes Cover peas with water. Allow to soak several hours or overnight. In a large saucepan combine peas with 4 cups water and salt. Simmer over medium low heat or until peas are tender. Drain peas, reserving two cups liquid. Saute bacon, onion, and bell pepper until bacon is crisp. Do not drain. In a 2 qt. saucepan combine peas, the sauteed mixture, rice, pepper, parsley and tomatoes. Cover and simmer 1 hour or until liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked. Peggy Short