Black-Eyed Peas With Ham

Note: I spent part of my mission in Florida. It's considered good luck to eat the following dish on New Year's Day. I don't really care for black-eyed peas, but a little corn bread mixed in makes them palatable if you don't like them.

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups Fresh black-eyed peas or Frozen, thawed
3 cups Chicken stock or canned low-salt broth
4 ounces Ham, finely chopped
1 small Yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
3 large Garlic cloves, minced
1 Bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon Dried crushed red pepper


Directions:
Bring all ingredients to boil in heavy large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.