Classic Southern Pea Salad

Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) package of frozen sweet peas, thawed (canned peas work too)

2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped

4 to 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1 cup of cooked and chopped ham, optional)

1/2 cup of chopped green onions (substitute with regular onions if preferred)

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use your favorite cheese)

1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds (or 1/2 cup of chopped celery)

A sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat

1/2 cup of mayonnaise

1/2 cup of sour cream

Instructions:

Combine the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed sweet peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon or chopped ham (if using), chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Season:

Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, celery seeds (or chopped celery), and a dash of cayenne. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed

Dress It Up:

In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until they form a smooth mixture. Pour this dressing over the pea mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.

Chill and Serve:

Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend together wonderfully. Enjoy: