Black Eyed Peas My Way

Cook bacon until crisp and remove from frying pan, crumble and set aside for later use. Reserve 3 Tablespoons of the bacon grease and leave the rest in the frying pan. Sauté onion and minced garlic in the remaining bacon grease until tender.

Put chicken broth, cooked onions and garlic, black pepper and frozen peas in a 5-quart Dutch oven and bring to a boil. When ingredients have come to a boil lower cooking temperature add bacon and allow to simmer about 30 minutes or until peas are as tender as you like them.

Now it is time to add the thickener. In a small saucepan mix flour and bacon grease (or you can use vegetable oil). Heat on medium high until bubbling and then add it to simmering beans. You can add as much thickener as you like just mix equal amounts of oil and flour. Heat until it reaches your desired thickness.

Serve with cornbread.