Southern Black-Eyed Peas - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (1 lb.) pkg. dried black-eyed peas
2 qt. water
1 onion, chopped
1/4 green pepper, chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
ham bone, piece of salt pork or several slices of bacon
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Wash the peas, soak them overnight or at least 5 to 6 hours in fresh, cold water.
Drain off soaking water, put peas in a large pot containing at least 2 quarts of water.
Add onions, green pepper, celery and ham bone or bacon.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cook about 2 hours or until peas are tender enough to mash easily.
Add water as needed while cooking.