I made a big batch of blackeye peas yesterday because when cooked and served on New Year's Day blackeye peas are supposed to ensure a prosperous and lucky new year.  It's a Southern tradition but why shouldn't I have a little prosperity and luck in the new year even if I grew up in the Pacific Northwest?

[caption id="attachment_4105" align="alignleft" width="614" caption="Making Blackeye Peas for the New Year"]<a rel="attachment wp-att-4105" href="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/?attachment_id=4105"><img class="size-large wp-image-4105 " title="Making Blackeye Peas for the New Year" src="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_6912-1024x682.jpg" alt="" width="614" height="409" /></a>[/caption]

So my friend (and my brother's girlfriend) K. and I made a big batch of blackeye peas and rice. I even took some pictures while we were cooking. That's because the recipe really only requires chopping and some stirring. <!--more-->Then my dAd took some pictures of me. He likes to do that.

[caption id="attachment_4094" align="alignleft" width="614" caption="Green Peppers!"]<a rel="attachment wp-att-4094" href="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/?attachment_id=4094"><img class="size-large wp-image-4094 " title="Green Peppers!" src="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_6894-1024x682.jpg" alt="" width="614" height="409" /></a>[/caption]

First up, chop:  green peppers, onion, carrots and garlic. You don't have to chop too carefully. Rough is fine as long as they are bite sized.

[caption id="attachment_4095" align="alignleft" width="614" caption="Onions and green pepper"]<a rel="attachment wp-att-4095" href="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/?attachment_id=4095"><img class="size-large wp-image-4095 " title="Onions and green pepper" src="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_6902-1024x682.jpg" alt="" width="614" height="409" /></a>[/caption]

Then you've got to cut-up the bacon. Fry bacon and when all but done add veggies to cook with bacon until soft. Easy-peasy.

[caption id="attachment_4096" align="alignleft" width="614" caption="Bacon, bacon, bacon"]<a rel="attachment wp-att-4096" href="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/?attachment_id=4096"><img class="size-large wp-image-4096 " title="Bacon, bacon, bacon" src="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_6898-1024x682.jpg" alt="" width="614" height="409" /></a>[/caption]

Once the veggies are soft add all of this to the beans which ideally are simmering on the stove in chicken stock.

[caption id="attachment_4097" align="alignleft" width="614" caption="Blackeye Peas"]<a rel="attachment wp-att-4097" href="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/?attachment_id=4097"><img class="size-large wp-image-4097 " title="Blackeye Peas" src="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_6901-1024x682.jpg" alt="" width="614" height="409" /></a>[/caption]

Finally, you add a little chili pepper and cumin and salt and pepper to taste. Then you let everything cook and cook on the stove  for about an hour.  Serve the bean over rice. It's a little spicy and totally wonderful.

[caption id="attachment_4104" align="alignleft" width="614" caption="dAd&#39;s photo of me"]<a rel="attachment wp-att-4104" href="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/?attachment_id=4104"><img class="size-large wp-image-4104 " title="dAd's photo of me" src="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_6910-1024x682.jpg" alt="" width="614" height="409" /></a>[/caption]

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All in all, my new year is off to a pretty good start. I am still a little bit under the weather but it's sure nice to be home with my family.