This Hoppin’ John recipe has been in my family forever. I’d like to take the credit for it, but I can’t if I’m being honest. All I can do is play my part by carrying on the tradition of serving these Hoppin’ John black-eyed peas around New Year’s. Bringing in the New Year with a big bowl of Hoppin’ John (black-eyed peas) at my grandfather’s house is a New Year’s tradition in our family.Growing up in the South, we have such an abundance of black-eyed peas, crowder peas, cow peas, and butter beans from our gardens that we can freeze them for an entire year’s use. It is a staple in the Southern home and pairs well with fish and venison. It’s also suitable as a main dish, by itself, or served over rice.Some Southern Fried Cornbread makes a nice accompaniment.What is Traditional New Year’s Food?The traditional menu for New Year’s Day is pork, greens, black-eyed peas (whether in gumbo, salad, or Hoppin John), and cornbread.Why Do You Eat Black-Eyed Peas for New Year’s?Black-eyed peas represe...
