Hap-pea New Year

Black Eyed Pea Stew

2 links of smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 inch rounds

3 cans of Black Eyed Peas, undrained

1 onion, chopped

2 bay leaves

1 Tbsp Tabasco Hot Sauce

1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes

1 bag of frozen okra

1 green pepper, chopped

2 Tbsp of garlic, minced

4 cans of beef broth

Salt & Pepper to Taste

Add all of these ingredient to a crock pot. Turn on low for 4-5 hours. The longer you wait, the better this is.

I love to serve black eyed peas on New Years, it’s a Southern tradition. That said, it’s a bit boring to place just the peas on their own. This is my cajun spin on fixing that issue. I’ve added and subtracted many ingredients from this year after year to change it up. I”ve taken away the okra and tomatoes and put in mushrooms and leeks in place of the onions. I’ve spooned this over cornbread or rice. If you have leftovers from the night before, think about what may work in here – it’s just about open to anything you have in the fridge, even may help you clean up for 2011 to start!

I enjoy this with a big green salad and crusty bread. It’s an easy day after the big night meal that you can actually make the day before – that way when the hang over hits the next morning, dinner is one less thing you need to hurt your brain about. Enjoy!