Black-Eyed Peas - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. dry black-eyed peas
6 c. water
6 slices bacon, cut up or ham or jowl
4 c. water
3/4 c. chopped onion
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. red pepper
1 c. long grain rice

Preparation

Rinse dry peas.
In a large pot, combine peas and 6 cups water. Bring to boiling.
Simmer 2 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Cover; let stand 1 hour.
Drain peas and rinse.
Cook bacon until crisp (or what meat you use).
Drain, reserving 3 tablespoons fat.
Add peas, 4 cups water, onion, celery, salt and pepper.
Reduce heat, simmer 30 minutes.
Add uncooked rice.
Simmer 20 minutes more or until tender.
Makes 8 servings.