The Best Dip Ever!

I love football.

No, I mean I LOVE LOVE LOVE football!

And although going to the games is great, the greatest thing about football is the tailgate.

If you have never tailgated, you haven't lived. Trust me on this.

And tailgating is all about being prepared. The more food you bring (and beer...of course there has to be beer! It's football for cryin' outloud!), the more successful your party.

We are season ticket holders for our local NFL team and have been tailgating with friends for years. We have eaten everything from ribs and chicken to chili and birthday cake...it's always something different and delicious.

But there is one staple that we never go without...
The greatest dip known to man: Redneck Caviar.

Yes, I know the name is silly but the taste? Holy moly.
And it's healthy...slap full of veggies!

I think it's has magical powers. Even my vegetable-hating nieces and nephews tear this stuff up.

So since today is Sunday...otherwise known as football day in my household, I figured I share this amazing recipe.

The ingredients are very simple:

1 can of black eyed peas, washed and rinsed
Make sure you use plain black eyed peas...not the one with onion & bacon added.

1 can of shoepeg corn, washed and rinsed
Now I guess you could use regular corn, but don't. The small white kernel is perfect.

1 medium white onion, finely chopped. I use a chopper...so much easier!

1 green pepper

Combine all ingredients and then add 1 bottle of Italian salad dressing. Any brand will do...if you are going healthy, add fat free dressing. I have made it both ways and you can't taste the difference.
I usually pour in about half the bottle and then stir. If you like you dip soupy, add more. I find 2/3 of the bottle makes for the perfect consistency.

I serve with a big bag of tortilla chips and beer...nothing better in the world!

There are a lot of variations on this recipe, I've seen some add cucumber, tomato, and red, yellow, and orange peppers and all that is fine and good. You can really get as creative with it as you wish.

But I prefer the basic. Why mess with a good thing?

Happy Sunday or Happy Football Day...which ever you celebrate today!