Texas Caviar

I love this stuff. It is so addicting and, actually, pretty good for you. My dad started making this when I was younger and since, it usually can be found at most family gatherings where food is involved. Especially in the summer when the garden is in full swing. Unfortunately, I do not have a garden this year, so much of our produce is store bought. But, it tastes yummy still. We usually serve it with tortilla chips but I think it would also be great on a salad or even in a wrap with some lettuce.

Texas Caviar
Source: My Dad
Ingredients:
2 Cans Blackeyed Peas
1 Can White Hominy
1 Can Black Beans (optional, I added)
1 Bunch Cilantro,
1 Jalapeno Pepper or more to taste
1 Onion
1 Green Pepper
2 or 3 Cloves Garlic
1 Tomato
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1 Packet Good Seasons Italian Dressing
2 or 3 Green Onions


Directions:
Mix oil and Italian dressing packet in a large bowl, stir well. Drain and rinse blackeyed peas, black beans and hominy, add to bowl. Finely chop jalapeno, garlic, cilantro and add to beans. Chop onion, green pepper and tomato and add to beans. Chop green onions add to beans. Mix oil and seasoning and add to the bowl and mix well. Let set and mix several times to mix flavors. Chill and enjoy.

If you want some extra heat, you can also add a habenero.

Lil' Smokies and Taco Roll Ups

I apologize for my lack of posting lately. A combination of being busy and being lazy has kept me away from my blog. But, I didn't stop cooking!

For New Year's Eve we had a pajama party game night with friends. We all brought snacks and a game. It was a wonderful time!

I made the classic lil' smokies in the crock pot and a new recipe, taco roll ups. The lil' smokies were perfect, just as they always are. The taco roll-ups were just ok in my opinion. My husband and brother-in-law liked them though. I think they need a little something extra, like tomatoes and lettuce or something.



Lil' Smokies (I doubled the recipe because we all like there so much)
Source: My Brain
Ingredients:
1 package (15-16 oz.) lil' smokies
1 jar (12 oz.) chili sauce
1 jar (12 oz.) grape jelly

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a crock pot. Mix well. Cook on low heat for about 3-4 hours until heated through.



Taco Roll Ups
Source: Adapted from allrecipes.com
Ingredients:
2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 c sour cream
2 c finely shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 c picante sauce
2 tbs taco seasoning
8 (10 in.) flour tortillas

Directions:
In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth; stir in the cheddar cheese, picante sauce, and taco seasoning. Spread over tortillas; roll up jelly-roll style. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best flavor, refrigerate over night Just before serving, cut into 1 in. pieces.