2 c. dried black eyed peas
1 med. size ham hock
1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes
4 tbsp. salt
1 c. sliced celery
4 c. water
1 c. diced onion
1 bay leaf
1/4 tbsp. pepper
1 c. uncooked rice

Soak peas overnight. Drain and combine peas, ham hock, onion, celery, bay leaf, tomatoes, water and seasoning in saucepan, cover and simmer until peas are almost tender, about 1 1/2 hours, add rice and cook additional 30 minutes or until rice is tender, add more water. Remove ham hock bone. Put ham back with peas. This is great for a crowd on New Year's Day.