Smoky Black Eyed Peas And Ham Recipe

• 1 pound dry black-eyed peas
• 6 c. chicken, beef stock or possibly water
• 1 1/2 pound smoked ham, diced
• 1 tbsp. bacon fat or possibly extra virgin olive oil
• 1 med. onion, finely minced
• 1 rib celery, finely minced
• 1 tbsp. chopped garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 or possibly 2 dry warm chili peppers or possibly 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or possibly 1 teaspoon dry
• 1 tbsp. minced fresh basil or possibly 1 teaspoon dry
• 1/2 teaspoon pickling spice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 to 6 c. cooked rice
• Minced sweet red onion
• Tabasco or possibly Pickapeppa sauce
• Cider or possibly malt vinegar

Directions