Recipe for Rainy Day Sunday Dinner

Oh the smells of a wonderful pot of black eyed peas are filling up my house as we speak. There is a light rain falling down, creating a gentle breeze throughout. Today is the perfect day for a good Hoppin' John and braised pork dish. So that's exactly what I decided to make for dinner today!

I must admit, a lot of the recipes I am writing, I am doing for the first time. Take the Hoppin Johns Recipe for example. I have never made them before today. I have though made countless other types of bean recipes, and have tasted Hoppin' Johns before, so I have a fairly good idea how I want them to taste. To me cooking is about having some knowledge, quite a bit of creativity, and great senses. I was gifted in being born with all of these, and I have heightened senses which causes me to smell things most others dont, and I can taste and recognize flavors most people cant. This is why I am an aspiring chef.

So todays recipe for me is a combination of knowing what flavors work. For example, most Hoppin' Johns recipes I came across used ham hocks, I didnt have this, however I understand why we are using the ham hocks, we are using it for the smoky flavor. I did have bacon and so I am substituting bacon for the ham hock. I added some fresh thyme garlic and bay leaves and seasoned water to the presoaked peas ad am boiling them gently on the stove. I like my peas a little softer than most, so I think I will cook them until I think they are to taste. Most recipes call for about 2 1/2 hours. I never think that is enough. So I will "wing it" and keep tasting the peas til they suit my taste buds.

As for the braised ribs that I am doing in the oven. I havent exactly thought out how I am going to do them, but I have a good idea. I know I wanted some type of BBQ ribs todayhowever I never like to use pre-made BBQ sauce. Im also not a big fan of ketchup. So I have this Raspberry Pomegranate Vinegrette salad dressing that I am going to mix with some honey, salt and pepper and probably some balsamic. I may add some other ingredients, but I wont know for sure till I start in my kitchen. Add a bay leaf and a sprig of rosemary and thyme and braise slowly for a few hours until tender and the house smells like you could eat the air.

Ill let you all know how this turns out..... And I will write the actual recipe!

Enjoy