HOPPIN' JOHN - A NEW YEAR TRADITION - DEE DEE'S

Steps:

• 1. Soak peas. I used the 2-hour method for soaking peas; rinse and sort peas. Combine 8 to 10 cups of cold water, carrot, baking soda, and peas in a large pot.
• 2. Bring to a vigorous boil; boil for 2 minutes and remove from heat. Let peas soak for 2 hours. NOTE: The carrot and baking soda is a little trick that was passed on from my grandmother and mother. They both believed that this will reduce gas. Not sure this is true but I have been cooking dried peas and beans this way for years without a problem.
• 3. Once peas have soaked, add meaty ham bone, 1/2 of the chopped onions, garlic, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a med-low and simmer 20 to 30 minutes until peas are tender but not mushy. NOTE: If necessary, add additional water to cover peas.
• 4. Remove the ham bone, cut off meat. Dice and set aside.
• 5. Drain the peas and set aside.
• 6. Add 2 1/2 cups of water to the pot and bring to a boil; add rice and bring to boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
• 7. Add remaining onion, peas, Rotel tomatoes (with juice), bell pepper, celery, jalapeno pepper, and seasonings to rice. Bring to a simmer and cook an additional 5 to 8 minutes until rice is tender.
• 8. Stir in sliced green onions and ham. Serve with hot cornbread.