Spicy Black-Eyed Peas - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. dried peas
1 medium onion
1 stalk celery (use leaves)
2 tsp. salt
6 c. water
1 tsp. black pepper
3 cloves crushed garlic
1 hickory smoked ham bone
1/4 c. liquid from bottled hot peppers (optional)

Preparation

Cook the black-eyed peas, vegetables and seasonings, all in a large pot.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 2 hours, adding water if needed.
The pot should have a heavy lid.
This dish is excellent to serve with hot cornbread.