2 c. black eye peas about 1 lb. ham hocks
1/2 c. chopped onion
3 c. chopped celery with leaves
3 c. sliced carrots
2 to 4 tbsp. chili powder
salt to taste
fresh ground black pepper
1 lb. Polish or German smoked sausage, sliced
1 c. Half and Half

Combine peas, ham hocks, onion, celery, carrots, chili powder, salt and pepper in large sauce pan: add water to cover. Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 hours or until peas are tender. Remove ham hock; cut meat form bones and chop finely. Drain vegetables, reserving 2 cups liquid. Puree vegetables in blender. Combine vegetable puree, reserved liquid, ham and sausage; simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Stir in half and half and heat thoroughly. Yield: 12 servings.

If you partake of this on New Year's Day, you will have good luck for the coming year.