Favorite Ingredient Friday

Overwhelmed with Joy is hosting Favorite Ingredient Friday, and shared with us a “Southern” recipe – Southern Grits! Unlike "Joy", I am from the South and I know the rest of you southern gals will agree with me on this – we G.R.I.T.S (girls raised in the South) believe this above all else: cleanliness and Good Cooking is close to Godliness! :) Whether you can actually cook, or you just need to appear that you can – you know, for the husband (or in-laws); these recipes will make you a Hero! I decided to share two recipes that have one thing in common: Black Eyed Peas. Now, I don’t know about the rest of you, but my husband would just as soon eat them every day. He loves them, to say the least! With the New Year quickly approaching – these might bring a new, and fun way to get in your “Good Luck Legumes” on the 1st. Texas Caviar (with Avocado) 1. 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed 2. 2 small tomatoes, chopped 3. 1 medium sweet onion, chopped 4. 8 ounces Italian dressing 5. 2 avocados - peeled, pitted, and chopped 6. ½ cup chopped jalapeno peppers (optional) 7. Cayenne pepper to taste (optional) Directions: In a large bowl, mix together black-eyed peas, tomatoes, sweet onion, Italian dressing. Add jalapeno peppers and cayenne pepper, if desired. Stir in the avocados just before serving. Cottoneyed Peas 1. 1 bag of Oscar Meyer Real Bacon Pieces 2. 2 cans black-eyed peas 3. 1 can black eyed peas, with jalapenos 4. 1 can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers 5. ½ small onion, chopped 6. 2 stalks celery, chopped 7. 4 tablespoons of butter (or margarine) 8. Garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste 9. 2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped (optional) Directions: In a medium skillet, over medium heat sauté the celery, and onion in 4 tablespoons of butter, until translucent. In a large saucepan, combine the canned black-eyed peas and canned tomatoes. When the onions and celery are done, add them to the saucepan. Add jalapenos, if desired. Season with salt and pepper and garlic powder, to taste. Add bacon pieces before serving. Enjoy!