MARIE LAVEAUX”S HOPPIN’ JOHN

RECIPE BY: DENISE ALVARADO, The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook

Marie Laveaux is best known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, as well as a humanitarian, healer and beautician. Legend tells us that one of her favorite dishes was Hoppin’ John. Should you ever call upon her for assistance ot visit her tomb to ask for a wish, you may want to make a dish of Hoppin’ John to take to her as an offering. She would surely smile upon you if you do.

• 1 lb. Black-Eyed Peas
• 8 slices Bacon, cut into fourths
• 1 1/2 cups Onions, finely chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• ½cup bell pepper finely chopped
• 2 1/2 quarts water
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon Thyme
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1/8 teaspoon Rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2 cups raw Rice

Soak black-eyed peas overnight in water. Fry bacon in a heavy skillet until crisp. Add 1 1/2 cups onions, and cook until the onions are transparent. Add 2 1/2 quarts water, bring to boil. Add garlic cloves, thyme, bay leaf, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drain peas and add the boiling mixture. Barely simmer mixture, partially covered, for 1 1/2 hour. Add 2 cups raw rice. Serve with crisp French bread. Enjoy!