Happy New Year, Y'all!

Happy New Year, Y'all! Hopefully, you are facing January 1st happy, well-rested, and headache-free! Well, at least I'm happy . . . one out of three ain't bad! Now that the champagne bottles are empty, it is time to think about an easy, low-maintenance meal.

The holidays are all about tradition, and New Year's Day is no exception: In my family it is all about eating black eyed peas for good luck during the upcoming year. There are few things in life that are certain, but there will always be Hoppin' Jack (also known as Hoppin' John) on New Year's Day at my house. What will I eat this time next year? Hoppin' Jack. What will I eat on New Year's Day 2015? Hoppin' Jack. What will I eat on New Year's Day 2050? Hoppin' Jack!

There are PLENTY of similar recipes out there, but I like the ease and simplicity of the way we make it in my family. Most of the ingredients are already hanging around in your fridge or pantry, you don't have to slave over the stove, and it requires virtually no thought. Fair warning though: It has some kick to it (which I like since it doesn't require the addition of Tabasco, etc.). If you want to tone it down, just substitute diced tomatoes for the Rotel.

Celeste's Easy Hoppin' Jack

• Black Eyed Peas, 16 oz. bag of dried peas
• 2 cans of Rotel (one "Original" and one "Hot")
• Diced Ham, 8 oz.
• Chopped Onion, one small onion
• Cajun or Creole Seasoning such as Tony Chachere's, to taste
• Celery Salt, to taste
• One bag of 10-minute Rice

1. Soak black eyed peas in water overnight or for at least 6 hours
2. Drain the soaking water and rinse the peas
3. Add peas to about 2 liters of water in a stock pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Allow the peas to boil for 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to Medium and add the Rotel, chopped onion, seasoning, and celery salt. Cover with tilted lid and allow to simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add diced ham, cover with tilted lid, and allow to simmer for another 20-30 minutes or until the peas are the desired tenderness.
6. While the peas are simmering in Step #5, prepare the rice in a separate pot according to the directions on the packaging.
7. When ready, scoop rice into a soup bowl and cover with the black eyed pea mixture. Serve with corn bread or a crusty bread (shown with rosemary potato bread) to the side.

Hoppin' Jack is my favorite New Year's Day tradition (Let's be honest, taking down the Christmas Tree and making New Year's Resolutions don't rank high on the fun scale). What are your favorite New Year's traditions?