Hopping John With Ham - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. dried black-eyed peas
1/2 lb. ham
2 qt. water
1 c. uncooked regular rice
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped celery
2 tsp. butter or margarine
1/2 to 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 to 2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Preparation

Sort and wash peas.
Place in a heavy saucepan.
Cover with water and bring to a boil.
Cook 2 minutes.
Remove from heat. Cover and let soak 1 hour; drain.
Combine ham and 2 quarts water in a large Dutch oven.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes.
Add peas and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer 45 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer an additional 30 minutes or until black-eyed peas are done.
Remove ham; cut into small pieces. Stir ham into pea mixture.