New Year's Day is one of my favorite days of the year. The hectic holiday season is over and there's a whole new calendar full of days ahead that have the potential to be wonderful. On New Year's Day, it's perfectly acceptable (and encouraged in our house) to stay your jammies all day, watch a ton of football games and eat a pile of goodies to ensure lots of luck and good fortune for the new year. What's not to love?
As a proper Southern, I'd never let a New Year's Day pass without cooking up a lucky pot of blackeyed peas with hamhocks and cornbread. In addition to the blackeyed peas, you have to have cabbage for good fortune. I like to fry my cabbage with onions in some bacon grease, with a little sugar and cayenne pepper. And since there's not quite enough pork fat, we also grill some big juicy pork steaks! To top it all off, I serve it all with a big spoonful of candied
jalepeno pepper relish.
SO GOOD!
I've decided not to make any major resolutions this year. My main objective for the new year is to just slow down a bit and simplify my life. As a coaching family with young children, our day to day lives are naturally hectic. My husband and I seem to add to the craziness by volunteering and helping out with just about any project someone presents us with. We are "yes" people, who are trying really hard to learn how to say "no, thank you" more often. I'm so tired of being tired all the time. It makes me tired to think of all the things I obligate myself and my family to do, so I've started reminding myself that all I really have to do is is love and care for my family and the rest is just stuff I can let go of. I know it's easier said than done, but I'm trying.
I wish you all a happy and healthy new year filled with lots of love and laughter!
2 comments:
Happy New Year!
We ended up having Brazilian food (close enough to black eyed peas and ham, I think) last night with some friends.
I still want my black eyed peas and ham though. Recipes?
Oh j...I'm in big trouble. For the first time in 32 yrs, I did NOT eat my blackeyed peas and cabbage yesterday. Boys were hunting and I was shopping...alas, I fear I'm doomed. Gonna make some today to make up for it and hope like hell it works!!
As an old mom...I can tell ya that as your munchkins get older, you'll realize that you just don't have enough hours in the day for anyone BUT your family. "NO" is easier when you realize that all the other stuff really won't have a lasting impact like the time with your babies!!
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