HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

We had a really rough 2010, so here's hoping 2011 is much, much better!
I will do all in my power to help it along and my first accomplishment towards this goal is making some Hoppin' John on New Years Day... The dish is said to bring abundance and prosperity into the New Year...Now, a ton of Hoppin' John recipes exist out there, but most of them aren't Vegetarian, much less Vegan.

So, here's my kludged-together veganised version for y'all....

Cruelty-Free Hoppin' John

2 cups dried Black-eyed Peas
8-10 cups prepared Vegan "Chicken" type Broth
1 package Lightlife Smart Bacon®
1 large Onion, diced
1 Bell Pepper, diced
1/3-1/2 cup carrots, diced
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
large handful dried celery leaves & 1 tsp celery seed (or 1/2 cup diced celery)
Salt & Pepper, to taste
2 cups long-grain rice

Wash & sort peas. Fry the Smart Bacon until crisp, using spatula to cut into quarters. Set aside. Add vegetables, peas, broth and spices to pot. Crumble Smart Bacon into pot. Bring covered pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until peas are tender. Add rice, cover, and simmer over low for approximately 20 minutes. Remove from heat, allow pot to sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve- optional garnishes include hot sauce, chopped scallions, Daiya Chedder-style Vegan Cheese. Serve with collards and cornbread for an awesome meal!!

Hoping the New Year brings all that you need and most of what you want XD