Texas food — A Southern Fairytale

Texans, Blackeyed Peas and New Year’s are pretty much synonymous.

Blackeyed Peas are eaten in Texas (and many other southern states) on New Year’s Day because they are believed to bring prosperity for the coming year. This superstition tradition is so firmly ingrained in us Texans that even Blackeyed pea haters like my husband will eat Blackeyed Peas on New Year’s Day.

The reason for the Blackeyed Peas for you NON~Texans (Non~ Southerners) when the peas are soaked and then cooked, they swell which represents prosperity and we eat greens (collard and cabbage.. traditionally) because they are GREEN and they resemble paper currency = wealth.

I happen to love Blackeyed Peas and sharing my favorite Southern Dishes with y’all. So, if you want to have some Texas Style Blackeyed Peas and a pro$perous 2010… get thee to the store and make sure you take this recipe with you!

Southern Style Blackeyed Peas

3 C dried blackeyed peas
1/2 lb salt pork, cut into 1″ pieces
2 jalapenos (you can use less), chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
5 C water for cooking
Enough water to cover the beans, for soaking
salt and pepper to taste

Soak the dried beans in enough water to cover them for at least 3 hours. ( preferably overnight)
Chop the jalapenos, onions and salt pork

4. When the peas are ready, drain them and place them in a large pot with your jalapenos, onions and salt pork. Add 5 Cups of water and bring to a boil.

5. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Serve with collard greens, cabbage or whatever greens represent wealth and prosperity in your area, and some yummy cornbread for soppin’ up all the sauces. NOM NOM.

There isn’t a final picture, yet.. mine are still cooking and my house smells amazing!!

I’d love to hear about your New Year’s Tradition/Superstition Foods.

Do you eat Collard Greens or Cabbage for wealth and luck? What do you HAVE to eat/do on New Year’s?

Texican Hash: Mouthwatering Monday

If your mouth isn’t watering just looking at that picture… well, then you’re certainly not a Texan.

This dish is easily adjustable and one of my favorites.
It is crispy and spicy and the flavors just explode on your tongue in a wonderful tonguegasmic taste fiesta.
I can crockpot it or leave it simmering on the stove for hours while I ~~blog~~ ~~read~~ clean house and teach my children to speak multiple languages.
The ingredients are simple and the recipe is a dash of this and a can of that.

So here goes.

Texican Hash

* 2 pounds of lean ground beef (I use 90/10)
* 2 packages taco seasoning
* 1 can corn (big can)
* 1 can black beans (big can)
* 1/4 C nacho sliced jalapenos, chopped
* 3 chipotles in adobo sauce, chopped
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
for the topping and layering
* Shredded cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese
* 1 bag corn tortilla chips
* Sour cream and green onions and salsa for garnish

In a very large skillet or stock pot brown Ground Beef and then cook according to taco seasoning instructions.
Now comes the fun part .
Dump all of the ingredients in with the ground beef and stir well. Bring to a lovely bubbling heat and then turn the heat down to simmer, put the lid on it and simmer for at least 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
(You could let this simmer for hours if you so desire, just stir occasionally)

In a 9X13 (or whatever sizes you have handy) baking dish place a layer of corn tortilla chips. Top with hash. top with cheese.
Repeat until dish is full. Finish off with a layer of chips and cheese.
You could purty it up by laying sliced jalapenos on top of the cheese.

Heat in a 375 degree F oven until the cheese is all gooey and melted and bubbling like hot delicious cheesy lava.

Scoop out onto a plate or bowl, top with sour cream, salsa and green onions. Devour.

You can come back and thank me later.

This is one of those delightfully easy dishes that can be adjusted to your family’s spiciness level or you can take away or add all different kinds of ingredients to make it your own.

* you can add diced tomatoes or charro beans or whatever you want to make this your own. I use one hot and spicy taco seasoning and one original. Enjoy!!!