Toss together peas, onion, green pepper and garlic. In separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add a dash of hot sauce, if desired. Mix well. Pour oil and vinegar mixture over pea mixture. Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 12 hours before serving.

Serves 6 to 8.

**NOTE: I do not use any oil or the hot sauce. I do sprinkle in coarse ground black pepper. Also I use Splenda instead of sugar and increase the vinegar and Splenda to 1/3 cup each, otherwise the pea mixture is not covered very well. I put mine in a gallon, ziplock freezer bag; removing all the air so that the peas are completely covered.