Hopping John - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. black-eyed peas
2 smoked ham hocks
2 c. rice
cayenne pepper
black pepper
garlic powder
Cajun spice

Preparation

Rinse black-eyed peas thoroughly.
Place smoked ham hocks in pot covered with 3 inches of water.
When water boils, add the black-eyed peas.
Season with a bay leaf, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder and Cajun spice.
Cover, stir periodically, add water if needed.
Cook until peas are tender and ham hocks are done.
Put rice in pot and cover with water up to first knuckle of pointer finger.
Bring to boil.
Once boiling, stir, cover and turn flame off.
Allow rice to steam until cooked.
Serve with chopped onion, hot sauce and corn bread.
Traditional Southern New Year's Day dish.