Friday, the Fourth of July, we were on our own. The kids couldn't make it over for a cookout so we decided (meaning I decided), why cook.

We haven't been to the Black-eyed Pea in a while and there's one right down the street from us. It's about as Americana as you can get so it was a perfect choice.

We pulled up about noontime and there were only two or three cars out front. We weren't even certain they were open, but, yes, the front door was unlocked, and we trotted in. We were immediately met by a cheerful young fellow who seated us. We both glanced around and there were only a couple of tables of diners but figured everybody else was at home gobbling down hot dogs and burgers. Well, no hot dogs and hamburgers for us...at least not this meal! We spotted a sign as we came in advertising a new appetizer item - Fried Guacamole.

Now I had this at the State Fair last year and loved it. We were up for trying it again. Black-eyed Pea's version is slightly different and several notches better. They take a whole avocado, half it & fill the seed cavities with a sour cream and tomato concoction. The halves are then battered (with probably the same batter used on their chicken fried steaks) and fried until golden. They are plated and served with corn chips, salsa and ranch dressing. The warm avocado along with the crunchiness of the crust is just plain yummy. We'll definitely be going back for this treat! And it was only $3.99!

I have always been a salad person and like all kinds. Black-eyed Pea makes a good Cobb Salad and that was what I was in the mood for.... lots of fresh ingredients, finely chopped and separated like a proper Cobb should be. With blue cheese dressing on the side, it was A+ material.

RJ decided on more traditional Black-eyed Pea fare - chicken fried steak, black-eyed peas (of course) and squash casserole. Served with a basket of piping hot rolls and cornbread, the meal was just perfect.

We stuffed our faces and went on our merry way. We were happy campers!

Visit Black-eyed Pea at http://www.theblackeyedpea.com/ for a location near you!