Rae Udy

RECIPES: Cowboy Caviar, Rae’s Queso Sauce

By Rae Udy

Vegetarian and vegan appetizers and snacks are perfect to serve at a New Year’s Eve party or the traditional football watching get together on New Year’s day.
Sneak in your lucky black-eyed peas with Cowboy Caviar. In the South, eating as many black-eyed peas as possible during New Year’s celebrations ensures good luck during the incoming year. Serve dip surrounded by baked corn chips for a low-fat and protein packed munchie.
Rae’s Queso Sauce can slowly simmer on the stovetop or in the crock pot or be quickly prepared in the microwave. For a New Year’s party, place sauce in a fondue pot and serve with large whole grain bread cubes for dipping or place in serving bowl and surround by corn chips or warm tortillas. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year in 2006.

COWBOY CAVIAR
2 fifteen once cans black-eyed peas
1 large tomato, chopped into pea-size pieces
¼ (one-quarter) cup finely chopped green onions with tops
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped fine
Salt and pepper to taste
Rinse and drain black-eyed peas. Place in a bowl and add all remaining ingredients. Remember to always wear rubber gloves when chopping hot peppers to avoid the oil on your fingers. Toss carefully to prevent breaking of peas. Cover and chill overnight. When ready to serve, transfer to a serving dish and serve with tortilla chips, crackers or warm tortillas. Yields two cups dip.

RAE’S QUESO SAUCE
½ (one-half) cup finely chopped onion
1 Tablespoon butter
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 four-ounce can diced green chili peppers, drained
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup cubed American cheese
1 teaspoon cornstarch
In a saucepan cook onion in butter over medium heat until tender. Stir in tomatoes and chili peppers. Simmer uncovered for five minutes. Sprinkle cornstarch over shredded cheese and toss. Add to saucepan and stir until melted. Add cheese cubes and continue stirring until melted and warm. Serve as a dip for chips or raw vegetables, as a sauce over steamed vegetables, or as cheese sauce for enchiladas. Makes about two cups sauce.