Sunday, September 13, 2009
Game On
It's football time in Texas, and we take it seriously. Our annual favorite provisions help us feed the frenzy, especially if our teams are twisting, turning, churning, diving for two yards, as a longtime stadium announcer used to say, trying to sound positive. We can't do anything about what's happening on the field, but at the tailgate or in front of the TV, we are the masters. (The pumpkin photo represents my favorite team - the Tennessee Vols and their crazy checkerboard endzone.)
I once had the absolute joy of interviewing longtime NFL commentator John Madden for a story called "The Grill of It All," about his tailgating passion. We got into a heated flurry about smokers. I asked if he knew about the stovetop invention that allows you to smoke cheeses, sausages, vegetables and breads right in your kitchen, and he was adamant that they were worthless. Smoking foods was a longtime commitment, he yowled, lasting at least 24 hours. Who can argue with the man who awards the turkey legs for outstanding play? He wins, so here's what he gets: A good dip recipe for his home turf.
Instant Replay Black-Eyed Peas
1 can Trappey's black-eyed peas with jalapeno (if you can't find Trappey's, have 1 tablespoon of chopped jalapenos on hand, and keep your hands covered when you chop. I use plastic sandwich bags to protect my fingers from pepper burns)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup red bell pepper (optional, but adds great color)
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons picante sauce
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
Dipping chips
1. Drain peas, discard the juice.
2. Slightly mash peas with fork, but leave some peas whole.
3. In a medium bowl, add all ingredients except the cilantro and mix with a spoon (don't use blender).
4. Spread mixture into baking dish such as quiche or souffle dish.
5. Heat in microwave about 9 minutes or until bubbly. Or you can heat in oven at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Sprinkle cilantro on top.
Serve with favorite chips large enough to scoop the dip. You'll see what I mean by "Instant Replay." You'll revisit this dip again and again.
Makes 2 cups
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Ummm. I can think of another interpretation of "instant replay" after one eats peas or bean dip! :-)
ReplyDelete