Growing up, Halloween always meant one thing – Chili!  We weren’t allowed to head out for trick-or-treating until we had finished at least one bowl of chili.  This has become quite a tradition in my family.  No matter where I am,  I always  chili on Halloween.

Even though there are no more trick-or-treaters in her house, my Mom still makes “THE” Chili every Halloween.  Like any other holiday, my Mom and I always talk on  Halloween and the first thing we talk about is the chili.  We have used the same recipes for years.  This year, however, is going to be different.  This year we are making our chili with Black-eyed Peas.

This change seems especially fitting this year.  It was exactly one year ago I had the idea to sell Peas.  And, nothing has been the same ever since.  Even my chili.

I hope you enjoy this special recipe!

THE Black-eyed Pea Chili

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 pound ground turkey

I large can tomatoes

4 small cans Black-eyed Peas

2 large onions

1 large package frozen corn

1 tablespoon Chili powder

I can beer – I recommend PBR

Salt and Pepper to taste

Tabasco

Directions:

Saute meat and onions

Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil

Reduce heat

Simmer 1 hour

Douse with Tabasco

Top with sour cream, shredded cheddar, avocado, and tortilla chips

Remember no trick-or-treating until you’ve had at least one bowl.

Be safe and enjoy!

Photo credit: The Frugal Law Student, http://www.frugallawstudent.com/category/holidays/

It’s a Southern Tradition to eat Black-Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day for Good Luck and Prosperity.   Black-eyed Peas symbolize wealth because they look like coins and Prosperity because they swell when cooked.   Peas are typically served with Collard Greens, which represent money, and Cornbread which represent gold. 

While most every Southerner is able to tell you WHAT they eat on New Year’s Day, few know WHY they eat these particular foods.  Of course, everyone wants Good Luck and Prosperity in the New Year but WHY (more…)