Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens

New Year’s Day at our house, the televisions are booming with sports announcers, referee whistles and an occasional loud cheer or shout from the living room, as we watch college football ALL DAY LONG. Friends come and go, stopping by to get their taste of good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. In the South, that means black-eyed peas and collard greens, and our friends always know they can find both simmering on our stove.

For the full New Year’s plate, I serve the peas and collards with pulled pork, gratin potatoes and plenty of cornbread.

Black-eyed Peas

• 2 pounds fresh black-eyed peas, from the produce section
• Bacon grease, enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 cups chicken stock, homemade

Rinse the peas and drain well.

Heat a few tablespoons of bacon grease in a lrage, heavy bottom pot over medium heat. Add the peas and stir to coat.

Add the thyme and enough water to cover the peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until the peas are tender, adding a little more water as needed.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Southern Collard Greens

• 2 pounds collard greens, chopped and rinsed
• 3 slices bacon, cut into pieces
• 1 onion chopped
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (Bragg’s Organic)
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 TBS sugar
• 2 cups chicken stock, homemade
• Water, to cover, plus more as needed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cook bacon in a large , heavy-bottomed pot until it begins to crisp and render its fat.

Add chopped onion and cook over medium low heat until soft and beginning to caramelize.

Stir in the apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, cayenne and sugar. Add 2 cups of chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil.

Add the collard greens, a handful at a time if necessary, letting them wilt down in the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, at least 1 1/2 hours. The longer they simmer, the more flavor they absorb. Add a little water as needed, if necessary, to keep the liquid line even with greens.

Happy New Year!