Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas

• 1 ham hock, about 1/2 pound (break it down with a knife, if possible)
• 2 quarts water
• One 16-ounce package frozen black-eyed peas, or fresh blackeyed peas
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon The Ladys House Seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon The Ladys Seasoned Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Texas Pete Hot Sauce, or 1 small hot pepper (fresh or dried)

1. Put the ham hock in a stockpot and add the water.
2. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
3. The longer you cook the hock, the stronger your stock will be.
4. When the meat is done you may find that you need to add more water (sometimes I need 2 cups more).
5. Add the peas, butter, House Seasoning, Seasoned Salt, and hot sauce, and return the liquid to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the peas are done to your liking.
7. Use this same formula for butter beans, butter peas, crowder peas, or any of their cousins.
8. To make your peas extra special, drop pods of fresh or frozen okra in the pot for the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking time.

ham hock, water, peas, butter, salt, hot pepper

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/southern-style-black-eyed-peas-384979 (may not work)