Don't Mess With Texas {Caviar}.

In my family, it's tradition to eat some black-eyed peas at the start of each new year - very Portuguese. Given that I've recently spent quite a bit of time in the great state of Texas {and that half my family is from there}, I thought Texas caviar would be a nice alternative to a heavy stew. Plus the avocado gives a cool, California twist - after all, it was 80+ degrees each day in Palm Springs.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tomatoes, chopped (optional)
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped jalapeno peppers
• 8 oz of Italian dressing
• cayenne pepper to taste
• 2 avocados; peeled, pitted, and chopped

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix black-eyed peas, tomatoes, sweet onion, jalapeno peppers, Italian dressing, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the avocados just before serving.

Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!