In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook black-eyed peas and rice in boiling salted water for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. Drain; rinse with cold running water. Drain well; place in large bowl.
Cook bacon in large skillet over medium high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp.
Remove bacon from skillet; drain on paper towels. Add onion to bacon drippings in skillet; cook over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes or until tender.
Add garlic; cook an additional 1 minutes. Stir in vinegar and sugar. Cook 3 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half. Add onion mixture to black-eyed peas and rice. Stir in all remaining ingredients except bacon. Cover; refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Before serving, top with bacon. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Makes: 12 (1/2-cup) servings