edible exploits: Texas caviar

Its Monday again, sigh. My weekend was productive but, it doesn't make the Monday grind any easier. How about you -- did you do anything fun? Did you catch "the game"? Yeaaaah, not me. Not having the slightest interest in football, the Superbowl is purely an excuse for me to try new dip recipes (to keep me occupied while I tune out the play-by-plays). And yesterday, I found a winner!

What's more exciting than salsa but, much healthier than those sour cream and cheese dips? Texas caviar. Yes, you heard me right. But you won't find any overpriced fish eggs here, my friends. This dip is like a bean salad bursting with flavor-- courtesy of jalapenos, hot sauce and a homemade vinaigrette. And its oh-so-satisfying. Pair it with a whole-grain pita chip (I love Stacy's) and you've got a snack thats truly lunch-worthy.

Texas caviar

{Recipe from Joy of Cooking, 75th Anniversary Edition}

Total time: 15 minutes, plus chilling time if desired

Ingredients

• 3 - 16oz. cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 - 6oz. jar pimientos, chopped, with juice
• 3 fresh or canned jalapenos, chopped
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded & chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sliced scallions
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup basic vinaigrette* (recipe follows)

Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator -- the longer it sits, the better it tastes. Serve with your favorite chips or crackers.

*Basic Vinaigrette

(makes 1 cup)

For garlic flavor, mash:

• 1 garlic clove
• 2-3 pinches of salt

Put mashed garlic in a bowl and add:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, or fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon minced shallot (optional)
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard (optional)

Whisk together until combined. Gradually add:

• 3/4 cup olive or walnut oil

whisking constantly as you drizzle. Refrigerate if not using immediately.

Its probably best that I'm starting out the week with a healthier snack, 'cause the Valentine sweets are a-comin'..... cheesecake and cookies and chocolate, oh my! x