Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17)

New Year's Day Black-Eyed Peas

 1 pound dry black-eyed peas

2 cups chopped cooked ham

Salt & pepper to taste

Pinch of garlic powder

2 onions, diced

1 (14.5 oz.) can whole tomatoes

Place black-eyed peas in 8-quart pot. Add enough water to fill pot ¾ full. Stir in ham and diced onions, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place tomatoes in a blender or food processor, and blend until the tomatoes are liquefied. Add tomatoes to pot. Bring all ingredients to boil. Cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the peas are tender.