Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Good Tuesday morning!

I've added a few pictures of fall embellishments in the Gallery today. I've also added a photo taken of my chipmunk-damaged pumpkin... and how I've "fixed" the problem.

RANDOMNESS - My friend, Melaney, sent this forward to me awhile ago. It was written by one of my favorite authors EVER, and I thought today would be a good day to share it with you.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER by Erma Bombeck

This was written after she found out she was dying from cancer.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. (I LOVE this one!)

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

I would have said "I love you" more.

I would have said "I'm sorry" more.

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. Look at it and really see it. Live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

She was a wise woman... and these are words to live by TODAY!

Black-Eyed Pea Dip

My friend, Barbara, gave me a beautiful Halloween magazine two weeks ago. It is called Phyllis Hoffman Celebrate Halloween, and it is FULL of wonderful recipes and other Halloween ideas. I love it! I'm sharing a dip recipe with you today, and while there are plenty of ingredients, it doesn't look difficult to put together... and it sounds divine!

You will need the following:

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 pint grape tomatoes (halved)
1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas (rinsed and drained)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Corn chips

1. In a medium saute' pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add corn and onion to oil. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent and corn is lightly browned (about 4 or 5 minutes). Remove from heat.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, cumin and chili powder.

4. Add corn mixture, tomatoes, black-eyed peas and cilantro, tossing gently to combine.

5. Serve with corn chips.

I'm making this dip for our extended family Fall Dinner coming up in a couple of weeks. It looks very autumnal, and it sounds delicious!

Fun fact for you... I have three bottles of cumin. It's one of those spices I rarely use, so when a recipe calls for cumin, I immediately assume I do not have cumin in my spice cabinet and run to the store to buy a bottle. I now have one of the largest collections of cumin known to man. If you try this recipe, DO NOT BUY CUMIN. Stop by the house and I'll happily supply all your cumin needs!

Have a fun Tuesday! Wednesday we continue with our new schedule. I'll still have Wednesday Wisdom, but I'll be sharing a Party, Event, Devotion OR Seasonal Tradition. You never know what you're going to get on A Simple Life.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda