Cowboy Caviar

This recipe is mine, but Leslie is always asking for it, so here it is:

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 t Tabasco

2 teaspoons vegetable OR olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 firm, ripe avocado
1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained
1 (11-ounce) package frozen corn kernels, thawed
2/3 cup sliced green onion
2/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
½  pound Roma (plum) tomatoes, coarsely chopped
Tortilla chips for accompaniment

In a large bowl, mix vinegar, Tabasco, oil, garlic and pepper. Peel, pit and cut avocado into ½-inch cubes. Add to vinegar mixture and toss lightly.

Add peas, corn, onion, cilantro and tomatoes. Mix gently to coat. Add salt to taste. Refrigerate, well sealed.

Serve with tortilla chips. Great for New Year's day to get your black eyed peas for luck!