Ham Hoppin John

Mmm...a great fall or early spring day dish. Oh the smell as it cooks. What a great way to use leftover ham.

Put peas in a deep pan cover with 8 cups of water.

Bring to a boil on high heat.

Lower heat to simmer , cover pot , cook for 45 minutes.

Place ham and bacon in frying pan over medium heat and fry for 5- 7 minutes , drain on paper towel and set aside.

Keep 1 tsp bacon fat , add the onions to pan and saut , stirring often until soft , set aside.

When beans are ready , drain and save 2 1 / 2 cups of cooking liquid.

Add rice , ham , bacon , onions , roasted garlic , thyme , red pepper flakes , salt and pepper to beans and reserved cooking liquid.

Stir well.

Return to high heat and bring to a boil.

Lower heat and cover.

Cook 25 minutes.

Turn off stove and let sit covered for about 15 minutes.

Enjoy--.

black-eyed peas, water, ham, bacon, onion, garlic, long-grain white rice, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, sea salt, black pepper