December 31, 2009

Holiday Cheer - Blacked-eyed Peas

Let's ring out the year with a recipe party....post your must have dish or recipe for New Year's Day. I'll pull names for periodic winners during the day AND one lucky winner will receive the grand prize - a virtual book bag full of Roses of Houston's electronic romances.* I'll draw the grand prize winner after I ring in the new year, so don't delay in getting your recipe up!

"Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day. "~ From the website Wilstar.com. Learn more about our New Year's tradtions at Wilstar.com.



Southern Blacked-eyed Peas

Ingredients


1 1-pound pkg dried black-eyed peas
2 quarts water
1 onion, chopped
¼ green pepper, chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
Ham bone, piece of salt pork or
several slices of bacon

Directions

Wash the peas; soak overnight or at least five hours in fresh, cold water. Drain off soaking water; put peas in a large pot containing at least 2 quarts of fresh water. Add onions, green pepper, celery and ham bone or bacon. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook about 2 hours or until peas are tender to mash easily. Add water as needed while cooking.

Serve will freshly cooked rice and cornbread.

*The vitural bookbag will contain an electronic copy of: His Ship, Her Fantasy by Emma Lai, Spell of the Killing Moon by Skhye Moncrief, Her Reluctant Rancher by Anne Marie Novark, Learning to Let Go by Elizabeth Pina, and The Priceless Gift by Anna Kathryn Lanier.

Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. ~Hal Borland

33 comments:

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

I'll draw for the first prize before 10 a.m. CST - a "Smart Women Read Romance" book bag. Be sure and leave a comment or recipe.

A.K.

Paul McDermott said...

I lived in WIGAN, Lancashire NW England for a number of years. That was the ONLY place I ever experienced Black-eyed peas, which were traditionally served with the British staple fast food, Fish & Chips!
Reference the cabbage & ham recipe: sounds to me very similar to the Irish recipe called Culcannon, which I also LOVE!

Karen H said...

I am not a traditionalist as far as 'must have' foods on New Year's Day, but I do have a couple of stand-by recipes that are great for a buffet table on either New Year's Eve or on the snack tray while watching the Bowl Games on New Year's Day!

Pickled Shrimp

Ingredients:

1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
1/2 cup water
2 tsp table salt
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tbsp cracked peppercorns
1 tsp (heaping) fresh minced ginger
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup oil (any of choice, try 1/2 olice & 1/2 vegetable)
2 red onions, thinly sliced
1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
2 lemons, thinly sliced

Directions:
1. Heat marinade ingredients, except for last five ingredients to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Cool.
2. Add lemon juice and oil.
3. Place sliced onion, cooked shrimp and sliced lemons in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Pour cooled marinade over shrimp; stir, cover and refrigerate overnight


Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

20 oz cream cheese, softened
6 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp Worchestershire Sauce
2 tbsp Accent (omit if using Dried beef)
Few drops hot sauce, to taste
4-1/2 oz coarsely chopped beef (such as Buddig or a jar of dried beef)

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together; mix in a little milk to help make mixture spreadable if necessary.
2. Shape into a ball and roll in chopped walnuts, if desired
3. Chill before serving.

NOTES: If using a dried beef such as Hormel, omit the Accent because the mixture will be too salty. If using a package of sliced beef such as Buddig, add the Accent. Also, for ease of serving, I just place the spread in a nice serving container instead of forming into a ball. This spread is great served with any kind of cracker. Try it on thinly sliced and toasted baggette bread or cocktail rye bread.

Debra St. John said...

We don't have a specific dish we have to have on New Year's Eve. Just plenty of food (bring what you want: apps, sweets, the sky's the limit) and time with friends to ring in the new year.

Anne Marie Novark said...

We always eat black-eyed peas and cabbage on New Year's Day.

Except we eat purple-hull peas which are close enough. The reason we eat these is because we grow them fresh in the summer and freeze them. We've been eating them for over 30 years and always have good luck. *grins*

New Year's Day Peas

1 qt bag fresh peas (frozen or not)
1 small onion
2-3 carrots
1-2 ribs celery
1-2 jalapeno peppers
ham bone or 1/4-1/2 lb ham chunks
salt and pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Put all ingredients in a large pot, cover with water and simmer for 2 hours.

Happy New Years!!!

Loretta Wheeler said...

I do the black-eyed peas, much like the recipe that was given at the beginning of the blog. I did incorporate something different after watching a cooking show one day. An old southern cook shared her recipe for black-eyed peas and I found it very tempting. You saute' ripe tomatoes with jalapeno peppers in a skillet and add them to the peas along with everything else. Of course that was right down my alley! I took a look at several of these recipes in here and I'm copying them and heading to the store with the list!:)
Lo

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Congrats to Lo for winning the first prize, a book bag. I'll do another drawing around 1:00. Everyone who's posted already and those who post between now and then will be eligible a copy of "Enchantment by the Sea," a short story by my alter ego M. J. Sager.

Thanks for all the comments and recipes.

Anonymous said...

It is remarkable, it is the amusing information

P.L. Parker said...

We don't have a "must have" either - any kind of edible food generally works. Can't remember if I ever had black-eyed peas - we lived in the south for a couple of years and I bet I ate some then, but can't specifically remember. Maybe they're called something else around here.

Judy said...

We are making the black eye peas and cabbage as I type. We have this every year, of course, being a true southern girl :) We basically have the same food items every year for New Years. My husband makes a fruit salad. I have never had one like it. It is just your fruit, oranges, bananas, apples, seedless grapes. He cuts all that up, adds red cherries, pecans and English walnuts, some of the cherry juice, sprinkles a little sugar over the mixture and about a tablespoon of mayonnaise. He then puts it in the refrigerator and lets it cool. I could eat the whole bowl!!

Emma Lai said...

We've got our beans soaking. Instead of cabbage, we'll be doing brussel sprouts, which are yummy mini-cabbage I guess! :) Happy New Year! Anna Kathryn, you are an awesome friend! (I feel like a goof using awesome, but it seemed better than saying "You rock!" My little sister is always rolling her eyes at me and saying, "Oh, no you didn't." But, yes, I did. Can't seem to help myself!)

Unknown said...

We don't do anything special for New Years Eve! We do all of our food a dishes on Christmas! I have never had Black-eyed peas that I know of in my life. This is odd because I was raised in the country on southern food!
CHEEZE BALL
3 blocks cream cheeze softened
2 1/2 teaspoons of Accent
5 green onion chopped tops and all
1 jar dried beef chopped

Mix cream cheeze, accent, and green onion well. Form into a ball and roll into dried beef, chill in refrige until the next day. Serve on Town House or Ritz crackers. This is better if you chill it a couple of days because the onion flavor goes through it better. I love it. Makes for a great snack.

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Congrats to Virigina for winning a copy of Enchantment by the Sea. I'll draw another winner between 4 and 5:00 for a Smart Women Read Romance T-shirt.

Thanks for all the comments and recipes.

LuAnn said...

Cornbread is often a traditional food on the New Year’s table because it is considered lucky. The color represents gold and the sweetness is said to being good luck in the coming year.

I’m not superstitious, but anything that might help with achieving any goals I set sounds good to me.

Cornbread

1-1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1-3/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 stick butter

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cornbread cooks best in a cast iron pan. If you decide to try using that method, place a 10-inch cast iron pan in the oven to preheat.
The other option is to use a 9-by-9 baking dish. Lightly grease the dish, but don’t preheat it.
Mix together cornmeal, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Melt the butter and let it cool. Mix together the buttermilk, eggs and melted butter. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Place the pan back into the oven and bake 20 to 25 minutes.
Turn the cornbread out onto a rack to cool.

Anonymous said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR ANNA! SKYE TOLD ME ABOUT YOUR BLOG!


HOTCHA1
linda_bass@sbcglobal.net

Joan said...

We don't have any thing special that we eat on New Years day but I love black eyed peas. I always order them in restaurants if they are on the menu. I am going to make them according to your recipe. They sound delicious.

Janet Kay Gallagher said...

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

YOUR FRIENDS WILL REQUEST you bring it to every Potluck Dinner.
(EASIEST RECIPE TO MAKE)
1 Betty Crocker CAKE Frosting container
(Must use this brand or it does not set properly)
HINT:If you use Vanilla Frosting you will not need to add more Vanilla Flavoring.
[If you use White Frosting add
1 teaspoon Vanilla Flavoring]
1 Jar Peanut Butter,2 Cups. Smooth or Chunky (Not a real Oily one)

Mix them together in bowl. It is hard (Stiff) to mix by hand but it works out better if you do it that way. Put into 9 x 13 baking dish. Set aside and cut when it sets up.
Easy to make and Tastes good.

Black Eyed Peas are a must here for New Year Prosperity.

Happy New Year to Everyone!

Donna B said...

Great recipes! I'll have to try some

Michelle said...

Hello & Happy New Year...here is a recipe you might like. The 1st one I found on Spark People & I created the 2nd for Christmas Eve to have a red & green appetizer.

Cranberry Christmas Swirls
Nutritional Info
Fat: 1.7g
Carbohydrates: 3.8g
Calories: 35.6
Protein: 1.7g
Ingredients1 pkg light cream cheese
3/4 cup light feta cheese
2 tbsp finely chopped onion or 4-5 finely chopped green onions.
1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
5 large whole wheat flour tortillas
Directions
Mix the first 4 ingredients together and spread evenly over the tortillas. Roll into logs. Chill until firm enough to cut. Cut each log into 10 pinwheels. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Enjoy!

Number of Servings: 50

Mexican Spicy Christmas Swirls
Nutritional Info
Fat: 2.5g
Carbohydrates: 2.6g
Calories: 36.4
Protein: 1.3g
Ingredients1 pkg light cream cheese
3/4 cup finely shredded mexican cheese
2 tbsp finely chopped onion or 4-5 finely chopped green onions.

1/4 cup finely chopped green & chile peppers & mushrooms

7 oz. Spicy Guacamole Dip +1 Tbls. Finely minced garlic
3 large whole wheat flour tortillas

Splash Lime Juice



Directions
Mix the first 6 ingredients together & a splash of lime juice...(Choose chile peppers by your preference in heat level) & spread evenly over the tortillas. Roll into logs. Chill until firm enough to cut. Cut each log into 10 pinwheels. Serve immediately or refridgerate. Enjoy!

Number of Servings: 50

Michelle B.

Anonymous said...

Black-Eye-Peas and cabbage alway's a must for New year's. thanks for the recipe.

Love you,
Happy New Year to all my sweet Family.

Carla Buchinger

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Wow, really great recipes and comments.

Congrats to Michelle on winning my 3rd drawing of the day for a Smart Women Read Romance t-shirt. Michelle, please email me at annaklanier@aol.com to claim your prize.

I'll draw for another prize around 7:00 -- an electronic copy of my shrot story "Tempt Me Twice," my historical Christmas story. So, keep the comments and recipes coming!

A.K.

Unknown said...

Happy New Year everyone....
My receipe for black eyed peas for New Year:
Go to Tom Thumb deli and pick up 1 pound of Texas Caviar!LOL....
yummy: Black eyed peas, celery onions peppers wine vinegar and sugar and some other stuff.....Taste great and clean up is a breeze...

LuAnn said...

Here's a fun and easy recipe!

Seven Layer Cookies

Ingredients
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked coconut
6 ounces butterscotch chips
6 ounces chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Directions
Melt margarine and put in 13x9 pan. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over margarine. Spread flaked coconut over crumbs. Pour butterscotch bits over coconut. Pour chocolate chips over butterscotch bits. Sprinkle chopped nuts over all. Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

I wish there was a way to include a picture because these are really a great treat and look so nice on the table!

SiNn said...

Hi anna! the must have for our family is garlic bread and lasaugna and pasta we vary reciepes tho so its always different


must have drink is punch

sprite
Hi C
and sherborte (spelling)

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Congratulations to Paul for winning a copy of "Tempt Me Twice."

Great recipes and, yes LuAnn, they 7-layer cookies are great!

Okay, on more prize before the big drawing....hmmmm, what this go round? How about two mini-recipe books? "Season's Best" from Pampered Chef and "Easy Appetizers."

I'll draw a name between 10 and 11:00. Good Luck!

librarypat said...

We always have a day of finger food. Cheese balls, mini sausages, sliced meats and cheeses, chips, veggie tray, crackers and drinks. We keep it easy and uncomplicated. anyone who comes over can add whatever they wish and it always fits right in.

Jane said...

We don't have any special dishes for New Year's, but I'll try to eat noodles because the long noodles symbolize longevity. No fancy noodle dishes for me, I'll probably just make a cup of ramen.

Cynthya said...

This is funny, because my friend just asked if I'd had my blackeyed peas yet. We don't eat anything special on New Year's Eve, but I have heard of eating blackeyed peas and my husband said he had to eat them when he was growing up. I thought it was collard greens you were supposed to eat instead of cabbage, maybe because I grew up in the South where collard greens are more common. Happy New Year to all!

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Congrats to Linda. She won the drawing for the two cookbooks: "Season's Best" from Pampered Chef and "Easy Appetizers."

My next drawing will take place after midnight.....or in the morning, if I don't make it till midnight...lol. It'll be for the grandprize a vitural bookbag containing an electronic copy of: His Ship, Her Fantasy by Emma Lai, Spell of the Killing Moon by Skhye Moncrief, Her Reluctant Rancher by Anne Marie Novark, Learning to Let Go by Elizabeth Pina, and The Priceless Gift by Anna Kathryn Lanier.

Once again, thanks to everyone who has stopped by. I'm very pleased by the participation and that it's gone on all day! Thanks!

LuAnn said...

This has really been fun! I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments and I now have some new recipes to try. Thanks!

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Wow, this was an awesome day (to borrow a word from Emma). I really enjoyed it and the recipes and comments made. I wish everyone a happy, prosperous, healthy 2010!

The winner of the 'grand prize, the virtual bookbag will contain an electronic copy of: His Ship, Her Fantasy by Emma Lai, Spell of the Killing Moon by Skhye Moncrief, Her Reluctant Rancher by Anne Marie Novark, Learning to Let Go by Elizabeth Pina, and The Priceless Gift by Anna Kathryn Lanier, is Cynthya!

LuAnn said...

Congratulations, Cynthya!!!

limo hire said...

I love traditional style and food both and i thanks to you....happy new year..