Perfectly Cooked Hoppin' John

• Many Hoppin’ John recipes call for a ham hock, but bacon is a popular substitute. If using bacon, dice it into a few slices and brown it in a pot over medium heat along with a diced onion and a diced green bell pepper. If you would like, you can also add a few sliced scallions or celery stalks. Saute for a few minutes, until just browned. Add a finely minced garlic clove or two and saute until fragrant, if desired. Add the black-eyed peas and the ham hock -- if you're using it -- and fill with water until it just covers the peas. Depending on the cook and the recipe, Hoppin’ John may be seasoned with bay leaves, thyme and/or cayenne pepper; add a bay leaf or a few dashes of desired seasonings, to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for a half-hour or until the peas are tender but not mushy. Strain out any remaining cooking liquid and season with salt and pepper.