Guest Post: Elizabeth from Elizabeth Ann's Recipe Box

Hey Friends!  Sorry I have been M.I.A. lately, but I've been in Houston and we all know that I have no muse when I am here (and by that I mean I am too busy eating Mexican food to do anything else).  So in my absence, my real life and blogging friend, Elizabeth from Elizabeth Ann's Recipe Box is guest posting for me!  Elizabeth and I go way back to 6th grade when we were in the same condo at Beach Retreat (Elizabeth, do you remember that?!:)).  We reconnected again after college through our Sunday school class and have even worked together at the same school!  I love following her blog - she has recipes for every occasion.  It's the first place I look when I am asking the dreaded question, "what should I make for dinner?"!  Read on for a Texas insipired appetizer - I can't wait to try it on my fellow ex-pats in Edinburgh!

Last thing - be sure to come back tomorrow (I know, right? Two posts in a row?!  Lupe Tortilla must have run out of beef fajitas) because I am excited to announce that I am doing my first GIVEAWAY!!!

Love Y'all,
Robin

Hi! I am Elizabeth Ann of Elizabeth Ann's Recipe Box! 

I love spending time in the kitchen, cooking and baking for others, and I ADORE home-cooked meals with lots of friends and family around the table!

I am so jealous that Robin is living in Scotland right now because it is one of my most favorite places! In college, I studied in London for a summer and spent a couple days in Scotland. 

We went to the Edinburgh and saw the Military Tatoo which was incredible! 

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And on a whim, we decided to take a train to the Loch Ness and camp out on the banks of the historic lake.

First we ran to Blacks and stocked up on thick socks, warm sleeping bags, and "midge" spray. In my opinion, the Scots are one of the friendliest people in the world and we headed to the train fully loaded with advice and supplies! 

The train ride from Edinburgh to the Loch Ness was absolutely breaktaking and I could not get some much needed sleep because my face was glued to the window taking in all of the sights! :-) 

And then, we got to the Loch Ness

and it was breath taking. . . 

We quickly saw Castle Urquhart

and then set everything up for the night! The sunset was amazing and I remember just reveling at God's incredible creation! 

We even saw Nessie. . . don't you see the ripple in the water? ;-) 

Since Scotland was so hospitable to me, I wanted to share some "Texas cuisine" with y'all! Texans LOVE queso, dips, appetizers and basically anything you can eat with chips! 

So today I am sharing Cowboy Caviar!

The best thing about a dip like this is that you can add or take out any ingredients that you please! Enjoy! 

Cowboy Caviar

1 can corn  - drained

1 can black beans - drained

1 can black eyed peas - drained (I used fresh black eyed peas. Directions below) 

1/2 green pepper - diced

1/2 red pepper - diced

1 bunch green onions - chopped

1 container grape or cherry tomatoes - cut in halves

(My personal preference is to add avocado before serving!)  

Mix packet of Good Seasons Italian Dressing according to package directions. (I omitted this) 

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and pour dressing over top.  Can be served immediately, but marinating overnight is recommended. 

Recipe from: Shabby Nest

If using fresh black eyed peas, soak overnight in a bowl full of water. Then pour black eyed peas into a pot and simmer on low-medium for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or whenever the beans are tender.