In the south, we got a tradition one we have done for generations. It brings luck and prosperity. Two decades back our family added another one for good health and vitality. I wanted to share it with you.
Let’s do those basics first though.
Black-eyed peas, it’s a staple of the New Year. They account on it bringing good luck all year. Most of the time I find the peas sort of bland, but our family takes it up a notch, so I figure I would share.
Requirements.
- One pound of dried Black-Eyed Peas.
- 2 Minced cloves of Garlic
- 1 Diced Yellow Onion.
- Chicken Broth (we usually make our own, but Swanson’s will do just fine.)
- 2 Teaspoons of Cayenne Pepper
- Hock of Local Meat.
- Salt and Pepper to taste.
Now, this a process you want to soak those beans in about eight cups of water overnight. Trust me you will busy with other things, so you got plenty of time. Now let’s move over to those collard greens which represents prosperity and more money.
My Granny always told me the key to good and tasty greens is simple. You want to have some spice in them.
Requirements
- 1 Pound of Collard Greens. Cut in 2-inch strips.
- 1 Table Spoon of Olive Oil.
- 3/4 Cup Of Chicken Broth.
- 4 Tablespoons of Cider Vinegar.
- 1 Teaspoon of Brown Sugar.
- 3 Strips of Bacon.
- 1 Teaspoon of Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper.
Step 1 ) You need to fry that Bacon nice and crispy. After that remove the bacon place it on a paper towel to dry it off. Don't you dare toss that bacon grease!
Step 2 ) Now I want you to toss in those onions and garlic, wait till they are nice and tender. Now throw in the greens and use a pair of tongs to turn those strips until they wilt.
Step 3 ) After that add your cider vinegar and broth, while gently stirring those seasonings in. Now reduce the heat a simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour.
I might lose some you boys and gals with a weak stomach, but we usually don't buy our meat from the stores, not when we got plenty of pigs and cows on the land. However, this is a special day. So you are going to need some tools.
- A Boning Knife.
- A Hacksaw.
- A Skinning Knife.
- A Butcher Cleaver.
- Chains.
Usually, Ham Hocks are mixed with the peas. Now a few decades ago, my Uncle named Willis found a thief trying to steal a chicken. We don’t like the law much. Also, our pigs were not fat enough yet, so we figured let’s try something new.
We’ve been doing it every New Year since, and I can tell you it works. We have not become sick since starting this tradition, and we find that helps fight off the effects of old age. My Uncle Willis is about to turn a 101 in about a few months. He still can move around like a spring chicken.
Now I am not one to judge where you source your meat, but I recommend someone that is nasty. This year we got a mean old boy from across town, a well-known bully to some locals. He talked tough until he saw that boning knife, but that quieted him down real quick.
Now lets drain those peas!
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