Hopping John - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. dried black-eyed peas or 2 c. shelled, fresh black-eyed peas
4 thick bacon slices, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped green bell pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
about 2 c. water
1 tsp. salt
1 bay leaf
1/16 tsp. red (cayenne) pepper
3 c. cooked long grain rice

Preparation

Wash beans and pick over, removing any pebbles or dirt.
Add cold water to cover.
Soak 12 hours or overnight.
The quick-soak method can be used.
If using fresh peas, this is not necessary. Rinse peas and drain.