My mom was born into a poor family who lost their farm during the Depression in Arkansas She was superstitious about having black eyed peas (for good luck) on New Years Day. Just for fun I have had a traditional Southern New Years Day meal every year until I didn't. The next day I broke my ankle. Now I am superstitious too. Charlie is tired of ham hocks and does not like black eyed peas. He likes collard greens and corn bread. I was going to get a prime rib roast but a two rib roast was $100.00. That was too much money and too much meat for the two of us. I got two rib eye steaks, cooked the greens with some bacon and ham and made a cheesy dip with the black eyed peas. I think next year, I'll make Hoppin John to see if he will like eyed peas with rice. Oh the black beans are a Southwestern American Indian staple that almost went extinct when they were moved to reservations but is making a comeback.
