A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 4 servings. 1 cup dried black-eyed peas 1 tablespoon butter 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon light brown sugar 3 strips thick-cut bacon,

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 4 servings. 1 cup dried black-eyed peas 1 tablespoon butter 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon light brown sugar 3 strips thick-cut bacon,

Black-Eyed Peas & Collards

Yield: 4 servings.

1 cup dried black-eyed peas
1 tablespoon butter
1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon light brown sugar
3 strips thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces
1 bay leaf
1 bunch collards, destemmed
Salt and pepper to taste

Soak the black-eyed peas overnight in 4 cups of water.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the onion, garlic powder, sugar, bacon, and bay leaf. Cover the pan and leave it for 2 minutes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the bacon starts to crisp.

Drain the peas and pour them into the saucepan. Cover them with cold water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 30 minutes to 2 hours. The peas are done when you can easily squish them on the side of the pot with the back of a spoon; check tenderness every 30 minutes. Add more water if needed.

Stack the collard green leaves on top of each other and roll tightly. Slice the leaves and then cut in half.

When the peas are cooked, add the collards to the pot and cover. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and some freshly ground pepper, then stir. Taste the liquid and peas and add salt as needed. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. When the collards are tender, turn off the heat. Remove the bay leaf. Serve over rice or with cornbread.

This story was published on Jan 14, 2020

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.