Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar!

This has been a busy weekend at our house.  Katie's in-laws were visiting all weekend.  Bill's brother Chris, his wife Cindy, and their kids Eric and Carly came to spend the long Labor Day weekend here.  Bill's mom Penny came down from Bolton Landing. Bill's dad and Sydney were here, and Russ was visiting, too.  It was, as my mother used to say, "like Grand Central Station!"

On Saturday, a group of us took the train from Saratoga Springs to North Creek where little kids from all over were waiting in line to ride Thomas.  (Russ opted out and stayed home to play golf!).  The train ride up and back was lovely.  We sat in the Club Car with full dining service.  It was beautiful and despite malfunctioning air conditioning, it really was a pleasant experience. Henry and Peter were so well-behaved and had a great day.  Here's a collage of photos from our day on the train:

Train ride through the Adirondacks!
(click to enlarge)

Sunday afternoon, Cindy made a sweet salsa-like creation that I'd never had or even heard of before:  cowboy caviar.  It was so delicious.  I can't tell you how much we all loved it, and it was devoured!  Some of the ingredients might not be staples in your pantry, but I encourage you to pick them up and throw this concoction together for your next party.  Everyone will ask you for the recipe!

Cindy's Cowboy Caviar

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 can white corn, drained
1 can yellow corn, drained
1 red onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 large bell pepper, seeded, chopped
1 sweet red pepper, seeded, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, chopped

Dressing:
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup sugar

tortilla chips - scoops work especially well

Make dressing:  combine oil, vinegar, and sugar in medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and cool.

Mix all the vegetables together.  Pour cooled dressing over all and stir to combine.  Let sit for 20 minutes before serving, to allow flavors to blend.