Luck in the New Year

It is said that if you eat black eyed peas on New Year's day it will be bring you luck throughout the year.  I am not superstitious and don't believe in luck.  I do however love black eyed peas.  Below are two super easy recipes that involves mostly opening cans.  My dad, who got me started on the whole black eyed peas business would be mortified that I used canned peas.  I always do, and he always cringes when I tell him.  If you want to soak your beans overnight go for it.  I choose the easy way.

Black eyed peas

*Disclaimer:  there are no rights or wrongs!  I have made this before with nothing but peas, rotel and diced ham.  I don't measure so bare with me.  

What I used today

• 1 can black eyed peas
• 1 can butter beans
• 1 can navy beans
• 1 can rotel
• 1/2 a can of corn ( I never use corn, I just had some extra so I threw it in)
• 1 can tex mex style diced tomatoes 
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 3 small sweet peppers chopped
• 1 pat butter
• enough olive oil to cover bottom of saucepan
• 1 ham hock-leftover from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner (you can also use diced ham)
• pepper to taste
• a dash of season salt
• a dash of celery salt
• hot sauce (optional)

1. throw in your pat of butter and olive oil in a large pan

2. get your pan hot enough so the butter is sizzling

3. put in your onion, garlic, peppers (or any other veggies you choose to use) and cook until they soften   or your onion turns opaque.

4. add your ham hock and turn it a couple of times (kind of like braising a piece of meat before slow cooking)

5. open all your cans and throw 'em in the pan.  

6. bring it to a boil then turn the heat down to low and simmer for about an hour.

7.  taste and season to your hearts desire 

make yourself some easy box corn bread muffins and add some shredded cheese to the batter!  Yum.

Next up: Cowboy Cavier

*disclaimer - I did not use butter beans even though it's in the picture!  And again, no rights or wrongs.  Add what you like and make it your own.

• 1 can black eyed peas
• 1 can corn
• 1 can rotel
• 1 can black beans
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 small garlic clove chopped
• 3 small sweet peppers chopped
• a few slices pickled jalapeno peppers chopped (I only add this to my bowl..the rest of the family can't hang)
• a bunch of chopped cilantro (I add this as I eat it, or else it won't last very long.  If you are making it for a party go ahead and add it)  tear off a handful and chop it up- depending on how well you like cilantro.
• 1/4-1/2 cup italian dressing

Mix it all together and put it in the fridge for a couple hours.  Eat with scoops tortilla chips.  Great delivery system.  Almost as good as using a spoon.

This is seriously so good.  My brother in law made it last summer and I can't get enough!  I found the actual recipe here.  It differs, but like I said, I'm not big on measuring!

Happy New Year!  Looks like mine is going to be a gas!  

xoxo, Amy

*Don't forget to check out the "i like to party" tab and come join the fun!