Recipe for Health and Prosperity

Of course, I also dabble in the kitchen.  One of my sort-of-crafty goals is to make a recipe book for my children -- our life as told through food -- a cross between family history and a recipe book.  Being a southern woman, it would be mandatory to include the traditional New Years Day menu.  One (especially not a southerner) can't hope for health and prosperity in the new year without a taste of black-eyed peas, hog jowl and collards.  Here's my recipe for Hoppin' John which we enjoy much more than one day a year.  The hog jowl is replaced with pancetta, and  I serve it with Swiss chard (the rainbow variety is my favorite) sauteed in olive oil, chopped garlic and a splash of vinegar.

                                                      Family Favorite Hoppin' John

Saute 4 oz of pancetta in enough olive oil to lightly coat the pan.  When fat is rendered, add one chopped yellow onion and 4-5 chopped cloves of garlic.  Continue sauteing until onions are clear, but not browned.  Add either one can of black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed) or about 2 cups of cooked fresh black-eyed peas.  Add one cup of long grain rice along with one can of chicken broth with enough water added to the broth to make two cups. Salt and pepper to taste.  And then (this is very important!), splash on a generous amount of Tabasco.  Cover and  continue to cook for about 20 minutes until rice is tender.  Serve with greens and enjoy!

Your belly will be happy and you can look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2011.