A friend got me to like black eyed peas.

I do not like beans except baked beans, green beans, and refried beans. That is it. Or it was until now. My friend was telling me how she fixes black eyed peas and I decided to fix them that way for the DH since he does like beans of all kinds. These were canned, even!

Drain and rinse one can of black eyed peas. In a small skillet, melt about a tablespoon of butter and drizzle in about another tablespoon or so of olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic. Let them simmer without touching until they start popping, then turn 'em over and simmer for awhile longer. I went about 5 minutes on that second simmer. And dang! They tasted really good! Might have to add some onion to that the next time, too.

canned beans pretty much suck

fresh beans and even beans that have been dried are so much better in texture and taste

and beans grow like bangbusters, plant some in your garden this year, you may be amazed

I got my seeds from Seeds of Change already and have some roma beans left over from last year to plant. I have so many seeds to plant right now, I'm not sure I'll have any room left for anything else!

they'll grow right up the stalk with no problem

We haven't tried growing corn yet. We may try next year, tho, depending on how well this square foot gardening thing works. I do have about 25 different things to plant so that should keep us busy and in plenty of food for while.

Use dry beans. Add bacon. Fill water in crockpot to about 5 inches over beans. Chop a medium size onion. Salt and Pepper. NOW, here is the trick. I pepper the entire top of the water. They are awesome.

bacon is a no-no around here. DH won't touch any pork, even organic.

There isn't a food I love more.
I think you could make it without the bacon (I can't though ;) )

They are my favorite things but with high BP, I really am not supposed to eat them anymore, and the husband won't.

I do make red potatoes and green beans during the summer. Instead of bacon, I use vegetarian stock base(Better Than Bullion) and rosemary in addition to the regular seasonings. It doesn't mimic the taste of the bacon but replaces it with something tasty, so it works.

legs are a great substitute for bacon, and I use them to flavor beans and other things.
Edit to add: They're mighty cheap, too.

as long as it's organic. That's a good idea, tho. :hi:

If you plan on growing some as you mentioned up thread, then be sure to always pick a few of the peas that haven't form very large peas in the pod. When shelling the peas, along with the pods, just SNAP the pods into about 3 pieces and add along with the rest when cooking. To me they are the best part. Canned peas with snaps not so much.

I'll have to try your friends recipe, as I have never had them that way. Thanks for sharing.

We'll have to make room for them in the garden next year. :hi: