Tasty Black-eyed Pea Salad

This salad recipe and the others following are originals that i have been making for sometime. Most folk seem to enjoy them.

Ingredients

 * 1 x 16oz pkg frozen black-eyed peas
 * 2¼ cup water
 * 2 tbsp chopped pimentos
 * ⅛ tsp liquid smoke
 * ⅓ cup cider vinegar
 * 1 tsp salt
 * ½ tsp red pepper flakes
 * 1 med. onion chopped
 * 1 garlic clove, minced
 * 1 tsp olive oil
 * ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
 * 2 cup spinach leaves, torn
 * 4 cup lettuce, torn
 * ½ tsp black pepper
 * ¼ cup monterey jack cheese, grated
 * 1 purple onion, sliced in rings
 * ½ cup sliced mushrooms, fresh
 * ¼ cup chopped pecans

Directions

 * 1) Bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil, add the frozen peas, the pimento, liquid smoke, chopped onion, vinegar, and garlic.
 * 2) Reduce to simmer and cook for 45 minutes.
 * 3) Remove from heat, pour off water, and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours.
 * 4) Combine all other ingredients in a large salad bowl.
 * 5) Mix in the black-eyed peas.
 * 6) Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or more, then serve.