Texas Caviar for Health, Wealth, & Prosperity!

Happy New Year, everyone! I celebrated NYE with a few fresh basil martinis at my favorite neighborhood French bistro, & then made a decadent dinner of Artichoke Crostini, Fennel & Fruit Salad with Mandarin Champagne Vinaigrette, & Truffled Mac & Cheese - all vegan of course. The martinis & wine really wiped me out & sadly I was asleep on the couch by 10. So much for the champagne toast at midnight! I started my first day of 2013 with some peach detox tea, a fresh green juice, & a 3-mile jog - part of my plan to get extremely healthy this year. 2012 was a bit of a drag, & I am certainly ready to wipe the slate clean, & brighten up my perspective.

The last few years, I’d gotten into the habit of making paella on New Years’ Day, but this year I decided to jump on the centuries-old Southern tradition of black-eyed peas & put together this version of Texas Caviar. Whether or not these “peas” bring me the luck I desire, this dish is certainly a healthful, wholesome, fresh & delicious way to start the New Year.

I served this salad over a bed of steamed greens, & with a golden chunk of The PPK’s Cornbread on the side. Coins, paper money, & gold, represent! Wealth? Sure, I’ll take it, but what I am really hoping for is health & happiness.

TEXAS CAVIAR a.k.a GOOD LUCK SALAD Author: Melissa, Honey Bee Vegan

Recipe Type: Salad, Holiday

Cuisine: Vegan

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

• 15 oz. can of organic black-eyed peas, drained & rinsed

• 1½ cups chopped, seeded tomatoes

• 1 cup roasted corn

• ¼ cup scallions, finely sliced

• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded & minced

• 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, chopped

• 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• ¼ tsp each: sea salt, ground cumin

• freshly ground pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover & refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor. Garnish with extra cilantro & squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year. Enjoy!