Recipe: Redneck Caviar

This is one of Johnnie Bud's absolute favorite things for us to have in the refrigerator so he can snack on it anytime, add it as a relish to burgers, or enjoy as a side item.

The best part about this dish is that it's really easy to modify based on what you've got in the freezer/cabinet and based on your personal taste.



Redneck Caviar
I large can of black beans, drained
1 small can of Rotel diced tomatoes and diced green chilies
I bag of farmer's market fresh sweet corn
1 bag of farmer's market fresh black eyed peas or pink eyed peas
2 green peppers peppers, chopped
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeds removed, chopped
1/2 purple onion, chopped
Fresh cilantro, to taste
Red wine vinaigrette, to taste

Mix everything and refrigerate overnight to let it marinate well - although you can start eating anytime, the onions are raw though and have a lot of bite until they've marinated. Since the corn and pink eyed peas were fresh from the farmer's market, I boiled them until soft and then cold-rinsed them before mixing everything together. If you buy canned, just drain and mix in.
Keep an extra bag of tortilla chips handy, this stuff is popular! (And perfect for fall tailgates.)

PS: We had green peas with dinner tonight and had some leftover, so I threw them into the big bowl of Redneck Caviar for extra color and another tasty flavor.

The Cabin for CASA - And a Great Video Showcasing What CASA Does

A few weeks ago I was invited to the premiere of Blueforest Studio's inaugural "Blueforest Gives Back" non-profit video project. It was the first time I've heard about the great work CASA is doing in the Triangle, so I'm excited to share today both the video and an upcoming fundraiser event the organization is hosting that looks fun and won't break the bank for donors!

Watch the video here:

(Click here to view if you have trouble with the embedded player above.)



So, about that fundraiser they're hosting in September:

Join us for The Cabin for CASA 2.0, a Lynn Robertson DeMent Memorial Fundraiser! 

Thursday, September 17, 6:30-9:00 p.m. home of Rusty and Nella DeMent – 717 North First Ave., Knightdale, NC 27545 

Tickets: $40 each, or $75 for two 

Music and Libations Dinner by 42nd St. Oyster Bar Raffle and Silent Auction Included 

All proceeds to benefit CASA’s mission to develop and manage affordable housing, particularly for veterans and people living with disabilities. In 2014, the first annual Cabin for CASA raised over $30,000 to support CASA’s mission. Mark your calendars to join us this year!

Click here to buy tickets, support the sponsors of this event, and more at CASA's website.