Hoppin John

2 T. butter
1 small onion
1 small bell pepper
garlic
2 cans black-eyed peas, rinsed & drained
2 c. cooked rice (I used brown rice)
parsley sprigs for garnish, if desired
salt
pepper
Italian seasoning
1 c. chopped cooked ham, (I used smoked)

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper & garlic. Cook for 5 minutes. Add peas and rice and cook an additional 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook. This dish is best if the bell pepper and onion still have some crunch to them. Add seasonings to taste. I place it in a lined crockpot to keep it warm.

Tradition has that on new years day you are to eat black eyed peas with a dime cooked inside. Whoever finds the dime will have a prosperous year. I didn't cook the dime in the peas, but taped it to the bottom of a plate.

For new years, you are supposed to eat: cabbage (represents dollar bills), black eyed peas (represents coins), and turnip or collard greens. I also make dressed eggs and cornbread. For the cabbage, I made my Italian cabbage recipe.