This Southern dish dates back to the 19th century and, while it is a great dish to serve any time of the year, it is widely served on New Year’s Day in homes across the country. Featuring black-eyed peas, a type of bean, each serving provides an excellent source of fiber. Foods containing dietary fiber can reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer.
http://www.tbyil.com/Hoppin_John.htm

Here is a great spicy black-eyed pea and black bean salsa recipe you can serve with tortilla chips which is aptly described as "very addicting". Make this fresh or make it in advance and take along for holiday outings and family get togethers. As noted in the instructions and ingredients, you can make a quick version of this recipe by using canned ingredients, but - though the quick version will taste great - if you take the time to use fresh ingredients and cook dried peas and beans, it will be even better. Which ever way you go, You and your guests are sure to be coming back for more and more. In other words, don't expect any leftovers! And remember, black-eyed peas on New Year's Day brings good luck for the entire year.
http://www.tbyil.com/Spicy_Black-Eyed_Pea_Black_Bean..

This recipe came from Bina Toniyat of Bangalore, India. Onions - one batch stewed with black-eyed peas, the other pureed with fresh coconut - sweeten the curry, made extra-creamy by the slow breakdown of the black-eyed peas. Don't worry about the number of chilis - the coconut and peas tend to absorb some of the peppers' heat.
http://www.tbyil.com/Black-Eyed_Peas_Onion_Coconut.htm