New Year's Eve

 For many New Year's Eve is overrated. Many even despise it. Some people feel like it's a prom with alchol for adults. I loved my prom, but New Years can seem like we are ignoring the fake merriment and dressing up when we aren't happy. Aren't happy in our marriage, Don't feel nurtured? Working at a job we hate, or overweight and unhealthy and not having any will power to change any of it.
 I secretly hope to find myself in a off-season rental... one New Years Eve one day... in the near furture.. maybe it's just a dream.. or a story I write in my head.... maybe Florida or Southern California.... One even with a fireplace...East Hampton? anywhere but where I live... A house I wouldn't normally be able to afford during season. I feel like this seclusion might bring a kind of magic to New Years.. that it lacks... I could spend the day reading, and at night prepare lavish group meals and my plans for Spring.

  I wouldn't get all dressed up for New Years.. It's fun to wear a new dress or something festive when we are in the mood or want to, but if it's because we have to or are obligated to do it, it's no fun. Young girls like putting on mom's heels and playing dress up because it's fun....not because they have to. So ... I would wear jeans.. and maybe I would be there with my family and another family or maybe I would be there with girlfriends or maybe alone... but I would have very different New Years expectations... I think New Years Eve can be about more than just counting down. It could teach us to savor NOW... savor our health, or children's health our parents who are still alive and even our grandparents, if we are lucky enough to know them.

But if your are staying home... and enjoying your husband or your family.... TRY this New Years... treat.. Black EYED peas and Collard greens vegan style.. NO bacon....



1 big package black eyed peas frozen or can
1 big package frozen choppped collard greens, or a big bunch of fresh chopped greens
1/4 to 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
4-6 cups water
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
tabasco sauce

What you do:

This is a Southern staple, without the bacon.
Put the black-eyed peas and water in a big pot, bring to the boil and simmer 20-25 minutes. Add chopped collard greens, garlic and seasonings, except tabasco, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until peas are soft and greens are cooked well. You can simmer this quite a long time without really overcooking. Add more water if necessary.
Spoon into a bowl and top with tabasco sauce. Good with cornbread.

If you are going out to a dance party or to Times Square or to a family friends.. enjoy.. be safe.. and Don't drink and drive.


Happy 2013!