5 A Salsa So Delicious You’ll Ask Yourself Howe

Family and friends are always the most important ingredient in Spencer Howe’s famous Cowboy Caviar. Without them there would be no point in making his delicious and very nutritious secret, but not so secret, Howe-family renowned salsa. Spencer Howe, my brother and twin to my sister, is exactly 13 months older than me and I am proud to say one of my best friends. Growing up in the Howe household there was never a dull moment. Our parents, Jennifer and Patrick Howe, practically raised triplets. Our family started in Indianapolis, Indiana but quickly moved down south in Naples, Florida to every kid’s dream place. Most weekends were spent at the beach, the only place our mom claims she could truly relax. Nonetheless, our parents still decided, when us kids were ages 10 and nine, that better opportunities were calling our name in a wonderful city called Westfield, Indiana, where we have lived ever since.

Our family heritage has always seemed to have strong ties with Indiana. Those who leave, tend to always come back. Although the beaches of southern Florida do seem nice come winter time, Indiana has also proved to be a pleasant place to grow up. The one thing you can always count in Indiana is “a good hearty American meal” (Howe 2024). As a family we have had the privilege of traveling and experiencing lots of different parts of Northern, Central and South America. Collecting memories around the globe as a family is the preferred adventure of Spencer. But, there is no adventure without the people.

Growing up with a relatively large extended family, Spencer doesn’t recall specific deeply rooted family recipe traditions; perhaps because of a continuous changing and expansion of family dynamics or maybe because what was important was that food was eaten and family was together. What he does remember is good food. Indiana family gatherings typically include a casserole or two, some sort of meat, and in our family’s case, moms famous “Jenny Crack”. A take on a brittle, Jenny Crack consists of boiled brown sugar and butter, graham crackers and melted Hershey’s Chocolate bars all layered together then frozen. Usually devoured in approximately five minutes of being completed, this Howe staple is here to stay.

Per usual, the original “picky eater” turned “health nut” now has his own food tradition that seems to be sticking in the Howe family. First prepared in 2018, unclear by who or how or why, Spencer’s famous Cowboy Caviar is the new hit of any potluck or gathering the Howe’s are lucky enough to be invited to. As more of a “eyeballer or feller kind of cook” , Spencer’s take on this vegetable-filled salsa can vary from gathering to gathering (Howe 2024). A recipe should reflect the ebbs and flows of life and the people we connect with through food (Johnson 2022). Corn, tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, red onion, jalapeno, avocado and lime juice come together to create the perfect appetizer or topping for homemade tacos. Unsurprisingly corn is a key part of the dish, because as Indiana residents and occupants of the “corn-belt” why would it not be? (Bergquist 1981). All completed within 20 minutes with some simple chopping and the opening of cans this simple yet delectable recipe can be achieved alone or as Spencer prefers, with a friendly and familiar helping hand. If done correctly and all the vegetables are diced small enough, Spencer claims the perfect bite can be achieved with every ingredient perfectly combined into one chip scoop. He claims that any type of tortilla chip will do. All that matters is that you buy enough because this dip is the ultimate combo of addictive and guilt free.

The Howe family isn’t much one for tradition or keeping things strict in the kitchen. What does matter is that the food you eat uplifts and brings people together to have a good time. If you are lucky enough to be recruited to help with the here to stay Cowboy Caviar, just know that now you are part of the family.

Cowboy Caviar

Ingredients

• 1 can of corn drained
• 1 can of black beans drained
• 1 large tomato minced
• 1 red onion minced
• 3 avocados minced
• 2 bell peppers minced
• Handful of cilantro minced
• 2 small limes juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder to taste

How to prepare

Simply combine all ingredients and serve with tortilla chips or on tacos or anyway you choose.

References

Bergquist, J. M. (1981). Tracing the origins of a Midwestern culture: The case of central Indiana. The Indiana Magazine of History, 1-32.

Howe, Spencer. (2024). Interview by Macy Howe. Westfield, IN November 18, 2024.

Johnson, R. M. (2024). Small Fires: An Epic in the Kitchen. Pushkin Press.