Hoppin' John

Blackeyed peas are supposed to be good luck on New Year's. pick over and rinse a half pound of blackeyed peas. (about a cup and a half) soak overnight. drain them when you are about to cook them, and add: 4 cups of water 2 medium onions, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, minced 4 ounces smoked ham (I used leftover ham from Xmas), diced 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp dried red pepper 2 large bay leaves simmer gently, uncovered, for about 20-30 minutes, or until soft. discard the bay leaves, and drain the peas, reserving about a cup of liquid. add chicken stock to the liquid to make 2 3/4 cups. preheat oven to 325 F cook: 4 slices of chopped bacon in 2 TB butter (I used 2 TB saved bacon drippings and some more leftover ham) until crispy. stir in: 1.5 cups rice and 1 tsp salt cook for one minute, stirring the rice so it gets coated with fat. bring to a simmer, cover, and place in oven. cook for about 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked. remove from oven, top with the bean mixture and put back in oven to warm- 5 minutes or so take out of the oven and mix in some parsley (I don't have any atm), and let stand for 10-20 minutes before serving.