Wednesday, January 1, 2014

A New Year ~ 2014






January 1st

New Year's Day 2014





The champagne is chilled.





Black-eyed peas 

are on the stove cooking.




We are dressed and ready 

to share the day with friends.




Black-eyed peas on New Year's Day

 is a southern tradition that dates 

back to the Civil War.

It's believed they will bring 

luck and prosperity for the new year.




We'll start with chips, salsa,

and fresh made guacamole.




A simple table is set to

celebrate the beginning of a new year.




No need for a centerpiece as the

food will be the star of this table.




Casual Settings




Napkins of a Provencal Print





Ringed with 

Bands of Pewter





A Favorite 

Pewter Tureen





Whimsical Salad Bowl





Paired with Complementary 

Pewter Salad Servers





Black-eyed Peas and 

a Healthy Mixed Green Salad





Black-eyed Peas for the Coins





Greens for Paper Money





Cornbread for Gold





Perfect Meal for a

Lucky 2014




Dad's Black-eyed Peas with Ham Hocks

1 and 1/2 cups black-eyed peas
2 smoked ham hocks
Some salt port, diced
1 small can tomatoes
1 can Rotel tomatoes w/ green chilies
(I now use 2 cans since they are smaller.)
1 medium onion, sliced
Pepper to taste

Wash and cover peas with water. boil fast for 10-15 minutes. Let stand 30 minutes. Do not stir so that peas don't break. Add water if necessary. Add meat and simmer until tender. Add other ingredients and simmer until it tastes done. Remove bones. cut meat off the ham hocks and add back into soup. Serve with green salad and cornbread.

Joining
Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Foodie Friday @ Rattlebridge Farm