Instructions: 8-10 Servings

Make a vegetarian "fatback" by stirring together the tamari, mustard, Pick-a-Peppa, garlic, and toasted sesame oil to make a marinade. Cut the tofu into chunks, and toss gently with the marinade. The longer this soaks, the better it is, but if you dont have much time, about an hour should do it.

Put the black-eyed peas in a pot with enough water to cover them, bring to a boil, and add the onion, ketchup, and savory. Turn down the heat and let simmer for about 45 minutes. When the peas are half done, add the tofu and the rest of the marinade, the salt and pepper. Continue simmering and stir gently until the peas are soft. Serve this with hushpuppies or cornbread, collard greens, and boiled potatoes for good luck on New Years Day.

NOTES : I was brought up to believe that a pot of beans was simply not edible if it didnt have some type of meat cooked with it. I fiddled around until I came up with something that brings out the taste of the beans just like I remember. If you cant find Pick-a-Peppa sauce in your store, you may substitute vegetarian Worcestershire, A-1 sauce, White Tiger Sauce, or Perkins Steak Sauce, but Pick-a-Peppa works best. Look for parrots on the label.

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