Hoppin' John

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas
• 1/4 lb. thick slab bacon diced into 1/4 inch cubes
• 1 onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 stalk of celery finely diced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 10 shakes of hot sauce
• 10 shakes of rice wine vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1
   In a large Dutch Oven, fry up bacon until browned.
2. 2
   Turn heat down to a lowish flame. Add celery, onion, garlic and red pepper flakes.
3. 3
   Cook until translucent (about two minutes).
4. 4
   Add beans and cover with water.
5. 5
   Add bay leaf, thyme and salt.
6. 6
   Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about one hour or until al dente-- longer if you want them mushy as some people might insist upon.
7. 7
   When done. Add tabasco, vinegar and pepper. Adjust salt, if necessary.