**Tarheels**

buckswife08

I think I remember seeing you had a Texas caviar recipe? If so, can you share it with me? I've never made it before and I think we may include it in a party we are having at my sister's next week in Vegas. Thanks!

TarHeels&Rebels

I do have a great recipe, but I'll let you decide if you want to use it (and you don't have to tell me lol).   It uses the maddeningly vague terms "salt, pepper and cilantro to taste" and I haven't yet perfected it.  Every time I try it, I write down the measurements I used, but it always seems to need more tinkering, so I can't guarantee that my last scribbles are perfection, ya know?  Some people are totally fine with tinkering with seasoning - it really bugs me, but it might not bother you.  It's absolutely delicious and crowds inhale it, so if you use it, you'll just have to do what it says and "salt & pepper to taste!"

Best made 24+ hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.

2 cans black eyed peas, drained
2 cans white shoepeg corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 can diced roma tomatoes, drained
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 jalapenos, minced
3 drops Tabasco
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1-2 tbsp sugar
Salt and pepper
Cilantro

My last efforts used 1.25 tbsp dried cilantro, 2 tsp salt, and, uh, sorry about this "12 cranks with the McCormick pepper mill".  Like I said, I have no idea how that batch turned out - it was months ago!  When tinkering with the seasoning, I've found it's best to amp up the cilantro and salt first, then gradually go easy with the pepper.  This is not pleasant with a big heaping serving of pepper in it!

buckswife08

Thanks! i don't mind a vague recipe..i love tweaking things

do you ever use fresh cilantro? that may be the issues you're having, although i've never used dry so I can't say for sure. whenever something calls for cilantro, i always use fresh. maybe that will help!

TarHeels&Rebels

I use fresh when my neighbor has some in her garden, but I hate paying $3 for those little clumps in the grocery store! lol  And yes, fresh cilantro is much better!