New Year'S Day Soup
["1 1/2 c. dried black-eyed peas", "1 Tbsp. bacon fat (or suitable seasoning)", "1 onion, chopped", "4 celery ribs, coarsely chopped", "3 carrots, chopped", "2 garlic cloves, minced", "1 tsp. dried thyme", "2 to 4 c. chicken or beef broth", "1 ham hock with meat", "salt and pepper"]
["Cook peas with seasoning.", "Add vegetables and cook until the vegetables are tender.", "Add rest of ingredients and simmer until peas are tender.", "Serve over rice.", "May use turkey ham (diced) instead of ham hock."]
["black-eyed peas", "bacon", "onion", "celery", "carrots", "garlic", "thyme", "chicken", "ham hock", "salt"]