1 lb black-eyed peas, dried
1 piece skin from a smoked ham or
1 2 oz sla bacon, diced
1/4 cup pork rib drippings or
fried chicken drippings or
bacon drippings
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, ground
1/2 tsp sugar


Pick over the peas to remove stones and dirt. Rinse the peas well and soak them in cold water for 20 minutes. Drain well. 2) Combine the peas and the remaining ingredients in a large pot. Pour in enough cold water to cover the peas by 1 inch. Heat to simmering and cook, covered, until the peas are tender but not mushy, about 1 1/2 hours. Keep an eye on the peas while they are cooking and add more water to keep them covered if necessary.