Cowboy Caviar

1. I use only 1 to 1 ½ cups of “wet” ingredients (binders) even though the recipe shows 2 cups. I recommend you start out using half the amounts of sour cream and mayo shown, then you can always add more if needed. To be more health conscious, consider low fat or no fat sour cream and mayo. Yogurt should work as well. 2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix with a folding motion so you don’t smash the beans. 3. Sample. Add more sour cream, mayo or yogurt if the mix seems dry. Add salt if the flavors seem muted overall. Consider adding more jalapeno or onion if you aren’t tasting enough of those. 4. Cover and chill, overnight if possible, so the flavors will blend. 5. Serve with corn chips or tortilla chips. 6. Don’t be afraid to experiment and change up the amounts listed above. If you love the corn in this salsa, use two cans instead of one. If you love black beans but not black-eyed peas, double up on the beans. If you couldn’t find fresh cilantro or didn’t want to pay the high price, try adding something like cumin or chili powder to boost the Mexican flavor. Just be sure to keep track of your alterations because you are guaranteed to be asked for the recipe or asked to bring it again to the next gathering.