New Years Day Greens and Black-eyed Peas

It's been a tradition since I was a kid to eat black-eyed peas and greens (collards were always the favorite) on New Year's Day for luck and money for the starting year. 

They are both very easy to make and very tasty! 

Collard Greens: 

(I eyeball all the ingredients so its an "about" on all measurements)

I used 2 bags of pre cut and washed from the grocery store, may seem like a lot but they cook down a lot! 

1 ham hock 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

1 shallot, finely chopped 

1 box beef broth (enough to almost cover but not all the way covered, add water if need more liquid) 

2 tbs Olive oil 

1/2 cup sugar 

2 tbs salt 

2 tbs cracked black pepper 

In big pot put oil, shallot and garlic, then add ham hock and greens and sauté a little. Once sautéed add broth and water if needed. Add all spices. Cover and cook on low for and hour or till tenderness desired. 

Serves 6 - 8 

Black-eyed Peas:

I used shelled fresh peas, 2 packages (also frozen or dried work, but have to soak dried) 

2 cloves garlic, chunked in to 4's

1/2 sweet onion, chopped 

1tbs Cajun seasoning

1 box chicken stock 

1 ham hock

1tbs oil 

Put oil in skillet and brown ham hock. Add onion and garlic and sauté. 

Put beans in add chicken stock to cover beans a good bit. Can add water if needed. 

Add seasoning, cover and simmer on low 30 min

Pick ham hock if good meat on it and mix in or add ham for a meal. 

Serves 6-8 

Serve over rice

The whole family at multiple servings! 

I like to add butter to rice and mix it all together :-) 

Enjoy! 

~Mrs. Milly~