This awesome recipe was shared in our Blaise family cookbook by my Aunt Vavie Michaelsen years ago.  I have attached a picture of the front of the cookbook as well as her original recipe for those of you who would prefer it. 

And my version of her recipe is below:  It is what I call a shortcut version.  But it is just as delicious in my opinion. 

And no worries for those of you who are trying not to eat anything white, such as rice, the recipe is delicious even without the rice!  Gotta love it!

Hoppin' John New Year Recipe

1 cup Organic Jasmine Rice cooked as directed

2 cans blackeye peas (in bpa free cans)

3/4 of a medium or 1 small organic green bell pepper diced

3/4 of a medium or 1 small organic red bell pepper diced

3/4 of a medium or 1 small organic yellow sweet onion diced

1/2 lb of Central Market Black Pepper bacon sliced in bite size pieces

Sea Salt

Organic Cracked Black Pepper

Organic Garlic Powder

Organic Olive Oil

Just a tip:  Organic products are optional, but I prefer organic as often as I can because I am highly susceptible to pesticides.  When you choose organic, you are choosing the foods that have been grown and supplied with no pesticides. Just something to think about!

In a stainless steel pot or rice cooker, cook rice as directed. 

Just a tip: I like to drizzle a little olive oil in the rice to keep it from sticking. 

On medium heat and in a stainless steel pan, sauté bacon for a bit then add onions, red, and green bell peppers until bacon is browned and vegetables are al dente.  Season with garlic powder, salt, and cracked black pepper to taste.  Depending on the bacon you use, you may need to drizzle a little olive oil in the pan to help sauté a little better.

Drain black eye peas and pour them in the pan with the bacon and vegetables.  Stir them around a bit and season with the same seasonings to taste.  Let it simmer while your rice is cooking.  Stir occasionally.  

When rice is done, pour into blackeye pea mixture.  Let it simmer for just a bit, then place in desired glass dish for serving. 

VIOLA!!!

ENJOY A HOPPIN' JOHN NEW YEAR!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!