Crowder Peas

-mysterious name, delicious eatin'-

there's nothing like a salted ankle of fat to transport you back to being 8, sitting at a wicker lined table having cabbage dinner with the family, watching as my mother reached into that big pot and pulled out the much prized (only to her) ham hock. ahhh memories. have you ever seen someone eat a ham hock? its very um, interesting. i assure you, my mother is not alone in eating this seemingly unmanageable piece of pork. my extended family adores taking on the feat of consuming the ham hock.

like i said - have you ever seen someone eat one of these? if you have you understand why i have wiped the ham hock from my mind and thusly life. but about 2 weeks ago my mom send a much adorned "care package" loaded with Camellia Brand peas and beans. YES! more of the best beans in my life. Louisiana loves their rice and beans. and we all know: beans / peas need salted pork. sorry but it just won't work if these guys aren't a pair.

i've made plenty of beans in my life but always with bacon and the likes. i finally caved and bought a hock for these crowders and i swear to you; the minute that thing hit hot water and its salty smokey scent started bumping around my apartment i dwindled back down to 8 years old.

CROWDER PEAS

1lb dried crowder peas

1 ham hock (1/2lb-ish?)

9-10c water

1tbs oil

3 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 onion, diced

3 bay leaves

3-4 sprigs fresh thyme

1/4 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp whole peppercorns (black)

*soak the peas in cold water for about 3-4 hours, drain

*add peas, ham and water to a large pot and bring to boil, turn heat down and simmer uncovered for 1hour

*in a separate pan saute heat oil, saute onions to almost translucent

*add in carrots and celery, cook 3-4 minutes

*add bay leaves, basil, thyme, oregano and peppercorns, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute)

*remove from heat and add to simmering pea and ham

*preheat oven to 200F, cover your pot and place in oven

*cook 2 hours more, until ham is falling off bone and beans are cooked

*season with salt and pepper to taste