To Be or Not to Be a Black-Eye Pea

Does anyone else ever wonder what it would be like to be a black-eye pea?

Often the black sheep of its' distant relatives, the black-eye pea spends its life being somewhat avoided; small and lonely, it's spotted skin rarely stars as an accompaniment to fried chicken, roast turkey or slow-cooked pot roast. No, these roles are reserved for the more elegant green pea or hearty butter bean.

Until recently, even crispy crudites turned up their noses, diving with strict loyalty into creamy blends of chickpea and white bean hummus.

How sad then, to be a black-eye pea, forever subject to twisted mouths and wrinkled noses. And, how triumphant when decided upon to play the role of good luck charm on New Year's celebrations.

Yes! Cheers to the compassionate soul that demanded black-eye peas be the bearer of good luck each new year!

Despite the good news, however, many receive the pea with trepidation. They fork single peas, and pinching their noses between thumb and forefingers, hesitate a moment before hastily shoving the small, trembling pea into their mouths, chewing quickly and concluding with an overly dramatic attempt at swallowing. Now, how's a pea to feel when greeted with such a reception?

I, for one, want to take a stand for the black-eyed peas of the world and provide these underdogs with the due reverence they deserve! And, I will do so by providing two of the most delicious, good-luck recipes for you to share with your families in your upcoming new year's celebrations. So, take the plunge, prejudice aside, and dive into the delectable world of the black-eye pea!

Carolina Caviar
This dip is a true crowd pleaser. No matter how much we make, we never have left overs, and for the people in my household, this is truly a travesty.

3 bell peppers (1 red, 1 orange, 1 green) diced
2 cans sweet white corn, drained
2 cans black-eye peas, drained
3 green onions, diced
4 large tomatoes, diced
1/4 c. chopped cilantro
1-2 Tb fresh lemon juice
1/4 c. Champagne dressing (Italian, red-wine vinegar and olive oil, or another favorite dressing will do if you prefer.)

Toss all ingredients to combine and serve with Tostito Scoops. Enjoy!


New Year's Southern Stew
My husband created this recipe and it was the most satiating, comforting pot of stew I've had in quite awhile. My mouth waters just thinking of it. May it bring you just as much joy and good luck!

1 6 oz. can tomato paste
3 c. water
1 c. chicken stock
1/2 head cauliflower, roughly chopped
1/2 yellow onion, sliced
1 8 oz. can black-eye peas, drained
1 Tb. fresh rosemary leaves
1 link turkey kielbasa sausage

In medium size pot, let cauliflower simmer in water, chicken stock, tomato paste and rosemary, 10 mins. In skillet, saute onion and sausage until onion is soft and sausage browned on both sides. Add onion and sausage to simmering cauliflower stew. Simmer add'l. 5 mins. Add black-eye peas and serve with crusty, twice baked corn bread to sop up all the tangy tomato, rosemary-scented rustic goodness.