New Year’s Day makes me think of this song:
So, let’s get it started, shall we? Welcome, 2012!
How did you celebrate the new year? We rang in the new year with friends. Our friends Kevin and Alice hosted a Bunco New Year’s Eve party. I had never played Bunco before, but I was reassured that it was, in fact, very easy.
Turns out it IS easy. My luck was not great—I won $10 for the most losses. So… unlucky… but also lucky! :)
Of course the traditional midnight toast followed.
The night was lots of fun, even though I was reminded that I am not as young as I once was. But it was fun pretending.
I pretty much slept through breakfast, so I started with lunch.
This is what I am calling a “Hummus Bowl” and it may be my new favorite lunch. It’s pretty simple. I put 2 Tbsp. of Hummus in a bowl and then threw in stuff on top (tomatoes, cucumbers, feta), and ate it with these Pita Rounds. Very tasty. And so pretty.
I had to conserve my cooking energy because I was planning a big dinner with the traditional NYD eats: pork, collards, black-eyed peas, and cornbread.
Everything turned out so delicious. I slow-cooked pork shoulder until it literally fell off the bone.
See? It literally fell off.
The black-eyed peas simmered while I worked on my collard greens. I used this recipe last year for Kickin Collard Greens and it was amazing so I went with it again. I have had collards different places, but I am telling you… this is the BEST recipe I have ever tasted. If you are scared to try cooking greens, try this recipe. The flavor is delicious, due to onion, garlic, bacon, and red pepper! Plus, I used my own homemade chicken stock! (Proud moment for me!)
Two hours of cooking=20 minutes of actual eating and lots of dishwashing. But that’s ok. And according to tradition , we’ll have luck and money this year. Works for me!
By the way, have I mentioned that Ryan and I are trying to participate in Eat-In Month again this year? My friend Diana hosts this challenge each year. We made it through about 2-3 weeks last year and then we (I) caved. We’re hoping to make it through the month this year. (We do make a few exceptions—dinner at church each Wednesday, and Sadie’s got a birthday this month, so that may be an exception, too.) Would you like to join in? It’s a great way to start the year with saving money and eating healthier after the holidays.
Happy New Year to ALL of you! I look forward to a new year of blogging, cooking, dancing, and snapping photos!
I'm totally going to aim for the Eat In Challenge, Liz (starting now since we got back from the beach today)! Great idea! --Jenn
ReplyDeleteYour dinner looks so yummy! Good job! I hope you get rich this year!
ReplyDeleteI haven't played bunco in years, but I remember it was very fun.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you're doing Eat in Month again! Woohoo! :) I totally think you can make it the whole month this time!
Oh no, my wrinkled place mats are showing. :) Glad you were able to come, it was fun. We might have to see about eating in for a month too, at least during the week the first month, thanks for the challenge.
ReplyDelete