LOL! Do NOT!
If I didn't already like blackeyed peas, you can bet I wouldn't be dying to try them for New Years after reading that - OR the "history of blackeyed peas in yorkie's post!!" LOL!
BUT....I don't buy fresh ones that have to be shelled - too much trouble for the lazy cook. :) Frozen Foods section of supermarkets have great packages of them with snaps, and they are far better than the dried peas. I add a can of petite diced tomatoes, along with bite-size pieces of bacon (uncooked) and a little bit of bacon 'grease', salt, pepper, chopped onion and cayenne pepper.
LOL You’re right. Grin. The flash frozen ones taste much better than the dried ones. At least the way I cook them, they do! Like you, I “improve” on plain black eyed peas.
They’re kinda like okra and collards—an acquired taste!