Collards and Black Eyed Peas

Well Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail…And I have my Bunny Bait ready and waiting. No Easter Bunny is missing the house of my Grands! And my niece Jordan (Instagram @jblodgett1) makes this special concoction to insure that the bunny doesn’t miss your home.* She has that covered, so I’m covering your brain game with an excellent green veggie/starch combo for Easter lunch, or any meal actually! I promise you one thing; this simplified recipe will become famous. So, tuck your head down, don your mask, take your hand wipes, race to the grocery, break the “always fresh” recipe rules, and secure these simple ingredients. Make one dish easy on yourself with the best canned ingredients ever! Sit back, hit the pause button, and enjoy your Easter. I hope you have family and/or loved ones with you. Vaccinations are becoming more available; but please continue to be diligent in your efforts to stay safe and healthy. I cherish you all!

1/4 cup olive oil
1 large Vidalia onion, diced
2 t salt, divided
2 14.5 oz cans Margaret Holmes seasoned black eyed peas
2 14.5 oz cans Margaret Holmes seasoned collard greens
2 Tbs chipotle chili in adobo sauce, diced
3 Tbs lime juice
4 cups cooked rice
Chopped cilantro, for serving
Grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese, for serving

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onions, a pinch of salt, and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
Combine cooked onions, peas, collards, and chipotle chili in large pot.
Bring to simmer and cook 20 to 30 minutes.

To serve:
Place rice on side of plate.
Place collard mixture half on rice and half beside rice.
Squeeze lime juice on rice and collard mixture.
Sprinkle with cilantro and cheese.

Note: This is also delicious served over Raisin Cinnamon Toast instead of Rice.
Voila!
*Jordan creates specialty items all year long for holidays and “every days”…so follow her Instagram for details. She specializes in all things wonderful! Respond to me if you can’t find her; I’ll get you there.

Asparagus, English Pea, and Edamame Delight

Happy Saturday. This is the best little surprise mixture ever. Seriously people! Perfect for a quick and lazy weekend veggie delight! The Don is out in the rain and soaring heat swinging at that little white golf ball; and I’m hanging out inside in the cool breeze of my kitchen just testing recipes to share with you. This turned out to be a special delight on the tongue. Canning tomatoes tomorrow! See you next week.

Vegetable Asparagus, Pea, Edamame
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbs finely grated Parmesan
3 Tbs fresh lemon juice
2 t Kosher salt
1 t fresh ground black pepper
2 bunches fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
2 cups frozen English peas, thawed
2 cups frozen, shelled edamame, thawed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 shallot, thinly sliced
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

In medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Cook asparagus in saucepan with an inch of boiling water 4 minutes.
Transfer to ice bath to stop cooking process and cool for 2 minutes.
Transfer to paper towels to dry.
Combine vegetable oil and shallot in small saucepan over medium heat.
Cook shallots 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until crisp and brown.
Transfer to paper towels to drain oil.
Combine cooked asparagus, thawed peas and edamame in large bowl.
Pour dressing over vegetables and toss to coat.
Transfer vegetable mixture to serving platter.
Top with shallots and bacon.

Serves 8 to 10.

May prepare vegetables and dressing 1 day ahead.
Cover separately and refrigerate.

Adapted from Epicurious Fresh, Summer Favorites, 2017.