Shelling Ozark Razorback Peas

A whole lotta rain in August and then virtually none since then dealt a big blow to our southern pea crop this year.  That's a shame, too, because peas and rice is a favorite simple meal that we enjoy with some cornbread as a side dish.  Despite the poor crop, I did walk through the garden rows one afternoon last week and pick the (mostly) dried pea pods off the stalks.  I got a nice-sized basket of peas.

Shelling peas is a mindless pastime while you are watching TV or sitting in the kitchen visiting with family.  In no time I had one bowl of peas all shelled and then realized I misjudged and didn't get a big enough bowl.

I got out another bowl and filled it up, too.  Since these peas were mostly dried, they'll actually make a bigger meal than it looks like once we soak them and cook them, adding some smoked sausage to the pot for some extra flavor.  We have a cool front coming through next week, so a warm plate of peas & rice with cornbread will be satisfying comfort food.  Can't wait.