THIS and THAT

Although the temp was still below freezing yesterday afternoon, the sun was shining enough to melt the snow and even my driveway looked non-slippery.  So after lunch I ventured to the grocery store to pick up a few items.  Obviously everyone else in Seaford had the same idea as the place was packed.  Well, it is only 9 days until Christmas, another reason for the activity.

Grabbed that hot chocolate I wanted the day it snowed.  Since I put the word out in the universe, numerous folks were coming and reaching near me to pick up their favorite brand of hot chocolate too.  Wow, who knew there would be a run on hot chocolate with an inch or two of snow.

Brought out a couple hooked pieces to enjoy during the snow day.  This lovely snow covered sled pattern was a lucky win for me with Cathy's (Acorn Hollow) pattern giveaway she held a few years ago.  I loved the one she hooked and since she was gifted with an extra pattern she decided to give the second away.  Thanks again Cathy, I loved yours and appreciate the gift.  It is a pattern offered on Lisanne's website at Cushing.

Another pattern Cushing has is Winter Buddies which I hooked previously too.

I've already purchased a package of black eye peas in anticipation of the new year's meal.  It is a southern tradition my mother always followed and so it continues. 

One year I was late in buying them so day before when shopping there were NO package of dried peas, NO can of prepared black eye peas to be found in any grocery store in Seaford.  And I went to them all.  Then, just by luck I walked from a grocery store to Roses discount store and they were just then restocking the shelf.  So purchased a can ~ not as good as home cooked but was hoping to find a lucky pea or two in there somewhere.

Just a little more hooking left to do on the geo/floral rug and it will be done in 2025.  The last project of 2024 ran over into 2025 by 4 days despite trying to finish the hooking part before the new year.  Which means I'd better get busy pulling some loops on this one.  Happy hooking.

Saundra

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MOVING FORWARD

In a couple days we will be stepping into a new year.  A few decades ago I'd already have purchased my New Year's outfit and looking with anticipation to dancing the night away.  I'd be present when the countdown at midnight took place ~ that was then.  Now I'm quite content welcoming in the new year behind closed eyelids.  

More than likely it will take me a while getting use to writing 2025 on checks and other documents.  Will need to transfer appointments scribbled on notepads to the new calendar and birthday reminders in there as well.  Eventually all will be working rhythmically like the year before.

I am not superstitious yet I have already purchased the ingredients for my southern 'good luck' black eyed peas meal.  It was a tradition for my mother and so it continues.  Some folks do a lentil soup and sauerkraut meal.  Frankly I love sauerkraut, but will stick with my mother's tradition. 

Last year I made a boxed Jiffy corn bread recipe and it was very dry.  Years ago I'd make cornpone, which is moist and delicious but takes too much time and I want it in a 'Jiffy'.  Thought Janice suggested something she does and I've written her to confirm but haven't heard from her.  Does anyone have suggestions on doctoring up a package of Jiffy mix so it isn't as dry? 

Finally, I no longer make New Year's resolutions because rarely do I stick to them.  Now I just try to do better in the coming year.  How are you preparing for the New Year?  Any resolutions?

Saundra

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Day One 2012

Hard to believe it is 2012 ~ time flies when you're having fun, and now that I'm retired and love hooking, I am having fun.  When I worked the days didn't fly by that fast.  I take that back, the weekends flew by but Monday morning sure rolled around far too fast for my liking.... and the 8 hour work day?  It crept along at a snail's pace.

New Year's Day has some cultural and regional traditions as far as food goes.  Living on the east coast my family always cooked up black eyed peas for dinner as it was to start the new year off being frugal and was to bring good luck for the remainder of the year.  My girlfriend Shari, of Lancaster, PA cooks the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch meal of pork and sauerkraut.  I'm sure each you have traditions as well.

My plans were to have black eyed peas for dinner last night and being heated up for tonight's dinner would make them taste even better.  So, Friday I soaked the dry beans over night so the cooking time would be reduced. 

I thought I'd try a different recipe other than the one my mother made, just to try it out for a little different flavor.  And, this recipe called for the use of a crock pot and I wouldn't have to spend as much time watching and making sure the bottom didn't stick.  Hey, easy peasy ~ no muss, no fuss....right down my alley. And, since the black eyed peas had previously soaked over night the recipe called for a 4 hour cooking time in the crock pot on high, so I put the ingredients in the crock pot around 12:30 p.m. and if it took a little longer would still have them done for dinner last night.  Uh, not.

Perhaps I should have cooked them on the stove because at 6:30 p.m. they still weren't tender enough to eat.  So I made myself some steamed zucchini with pasta sauce, which is a staple of mine.  Oh, and some Cabernet wine.  Here is the recipe I used except I didn't put in jalapeno pepper.




Ready In:
4 Hrs 25 Min


Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 pound dry black-eyed peas
• 6 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• salt to taste

Directions

1. Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes.
2. Place the dried peas, water, onion, tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, garlic, and chili powder into a slow cooker, and stir to combine. Stir in the bacon and bacon grease, and set the cooker on High. Cook until peas are tender, about 4 hours. Season to taste with salt, and serve.

But, the black eyed peas will be my dinner tonight and am sure it will be yummy.

Again, Happy New Year ! ! ! ! !