New Year's Day Good Luck Hoppin' John

My take on Hoppin' John. I liked it even better than the gumbo I made for Christmas dinner, and that's saying a lot. They say if you eat black eyed peas for the new year you'll be lucky, or is it get lucky? Either way, it's been a good 4 days so far!!!

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New Year's Day Good Luck Hoppin' John
serves 4

1 cup black eyed peas
12 oz mixed meats (ham, bacon, smoked sausage, etc.), chopped
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 bay leaf
1t fresh thyme leaves
2c chicken stock (+ 1c water, as needed)

Rinse and sort peas, put in 4c hot water. Cover, bring to a boil, and boil rapidly for 2 min. Turn heat off, and let sit for 1 hour. Then strain and rinse peas.

Using a large pot, brown meat, about 10 min. in a little olive oil. Add onion, cook until translucent, about 5 min. Then add bell pepper and celery, cook until soft, 5 min.

Add peas, herbs, and stock, enough to barely cover. Season with creole seasoning, salt and pepper. Cover, bring to boil, reduce heat. Simmer for 30 min., stirring occasionally. Test peas after 30 min.; they should be tender, but not mushy or soft. If still firm, cook additional time (10 min.?); if tender, remove lid and cook for 15 min. more until the liquid evaporates and thickens. Add a few dashes of Tabasco. Season to taste.

Serve over white rice and top with green onions.