2009 December — A Southern Fairytale

Hasta La Bye Bye 2009

4:56 PM ByRachelFiled UnderEverything Else

2009 is slinking it’s tired, ragged self around the corner and 2010 is looming on the horizon with it’s bright shiny hopefulness. Ready to fulfill all of our dreams and exceed all of our expectations.

Do you face it with Hope? Trepidation?

Are you facing it head on or with shoulders slumped in resignation?

I’m trying to face it with Hope, Determination and Excitement.

Because, I’ll tell ya what. Between us…

2009 was one helluva year.

It was full of ups and downs.

Laughter and Tears.

Losses and Hope.

I think that this post sums up my 2009, If I Had Only Known.

Do you have a favorite post from 2009? One that you feel needs to be read because it’s powerful, funny, sad, emotional, delicious, tantalizing?

I’d love for you to link to it and then leave me a comment telling me why we should read it..

Here’s to 2010 y’all.

May it be the year of blessings, beauty, laughter and community unlike any year that we’ve seen before.

17 Comments

Blackeyed Peas

11:40 AM ByRachelFiled UnderSide Dishes

Texans, Blackeyed Peas and New Year’s are pretty much synonymous.

Blackeyed Peas are eaten in Texas (and many other southern states) on New Year’s Day because they are believed to bring prosperity for the coming year. This superstition tradition is so firmly ingrained in us Texans that even Blackeyed pea haters like my husband will eat Blackeyed Peas on New Year’s Day.

The reason for the Blackeyed Peas for you NON~Texans (Non~ Southerners) when the peas are soaked and then cooked, they swell which represents prosperity and we eat greens (collard and cabbage.. traditionally) because they are GREEN and they resemble paper currency = wealth.

I happen to love Blackeyed Peas and sharing my favorite Southern Dishes with y’all. So, if you want to have some Texas Style Blackeyed Peas and a pro$perous 2010… get thee to the store and make sure you take this recipe with you!

Southern Style Blackeyed Peas

3 C dried blackeyed peas
1/2 lb salt pork, cut into 1″ pieces
2 jalapenos (you can use less), chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
5 C water for cooking
Enough water to cover the beans, for soaking
salt and pepper to taste

Soak the dried beans in enough water to cover them for at least 3 hours. ( preferably overnight)
Chop the jalapenos, onions and salt pork

4. When the peas are ready, drain them and place them in a large pot with your jalapenos, onions and salt pork. Add 5 Cups of water and bring to a boil.

5. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Serve with collard greens, cabbage or whatever greens represent wealth and prosperity in your area, and some yummy cornbread for soppin’ up all the sauces. NOM NOM.

There isn’t a final picture, yet.. mine are still cooking and my house smells amazing!!

I’d love to hear about your New Year’s Tradition/Superstition Foods.

Do you eat Collard Greens or Cabbage for wealth and luck? What do you HAVE to eat/do on New Year’s?