Crock Pot Black-eyed Peas

1 lb. dried black eyed peas, rinsed and drained (no need to soak them) 3 strips of bacon 4 C. water 1 smoked pork jowl 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper Slice the bacon and place in a skillet, cook over med. high heat till it just begins to crisp up. Remove the bacon and place it in the bottom of a 4 qt. crock pot. Add 1 T. of the bacon grease then pour the peas over the bacon. Add the water and pork jowl. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6. You may need to add a little more water towards the end, I didn't this time but sometimes I do. Remove the pork jowl and remove all the meat from it and return the meat to the crock pot. Stir in the salt and pepper, taste to adjust seasoning to your liking. I like to serve mine over rice.