2 cups dry black-eyed peas

1/2 pound of smoked sausage chopped

1 pack of Tasso chopped

1 medium size onion

1 medium size bell pepper

1 jalapeño pepper

1 bay leaf

1 can of chicken stock

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Seasoning of choice (salt, pepper, garlic pepper)

Soak peas overnight with a little garlic powder and onion powder in a plastic container with water. When ready to cook, drain water out of container. Add all ingredients except meats.

Add a little water if necessary unit the water is about half the inches above peas. Cook for 3 hours on high. Add meats and cook for another 3 or 4 hours on high. Remove bay leaf and season to taste. Other meats are optional.

John Oliver Sr., New Iberia