BLONDIE'S NEW YEAR'S DAY BLACK-EYED PEA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat large deeps skillet over med-hi heat. Pour in EVOO. Heat till shimmery. Add onion, jalepenos and celery, saute till onions translucent. Lower heat to med. Add garlic. Saute 2 minutes. Now add jalepenos. Add ground beef; S & P to taste. Break up beef and saute till brown. Drain in a colander, if needed. Return it back to pan, set aside
• 2. In the meantime in a 2qt saucepan over med-hi heat, add EVOO. Heat till shimmery. Lower heat to med and add rice, stirring constantly till it turns light brown. Add broth slowly; add S & P, and butter. Turn oven on @ 350*
• 3. When rice comes to a boil, lower heat as low as possible, just so rice is simmering. Cover pan with a tight-fitting lid. Continue simmering for 20 minutes ~ do not stir during cooking time. Remove from heat when time is up.
• 4. In the pan with meat in it, pour in black-eye peas and Rotel, Fold in and put over med heat till hot. Now fold in rice gently. Adjust seasoning, if needed.
• 5. Spray 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray. Pour casserole into pan. Lay slices of cheese side by side until casserole is covered. Bake in oven until cheese is browning around the edges of the pan. Remove from oven and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes.
• 6. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ENJOY~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~