Happy New Year/end of the world!

Black-eyed peas, cabbage and roasted beets

Happy New Year, peeps!

Derek and I have had a low-key holiday season this year, the first since 2007 that we didn’t go to New Orleans to be with family and old friends, so I was a little sad and homesick.  We’ve had some fantastic meals, though, and spent some time with our great Indianapolis friends.  2011 was a rather hectic year with a lot of changes that I hope to assimilate this year.  I’m not big on resolutions, since I tend to sabotage them.  As one of my dear New Orleans friends once said, and absolutely without irony, “I can’t make a commitment to anything I can’t divorce myself from.”  That’s kind of how I feel about resolutions. Having said that, I do have some intentions, one of which is to take better care of myself.  It shouldn’t be at all difficult to improve since I haven’t been doing it at all!  Another is to write more often.  I enjoy it and it stimulates the creative part of my brain that’s been in retirement for a while now. 

So here’s to a new year and a new chance.  Now on to some of the great things we’ve been cooking.

Rack of Lamb

Derek cooked a rack of lamb for the two of us for Christmas dinner.  I made creamed spinach and Brandy Milk Punch, which we forgot to drink.  I set the table with our new Dollar Tree $1 plates, candles and a poinsettia.  On New Year’s Eve he made jambalaya for the party at James’ and Shelley’s house, and I wasn’t feeling well, so I didn’t go and forgot to take a picture.  I will say this: Derek’s jambalaya is as good as any I’ve had in Louisiana, and better than most. 

Yesterday I made the requisite black-eyed peas and cabbage, accompanied by some oven-roasted beets.  I don’t know what they’re supposed to bring you in the new year, but if it’s anything that’s the color of beets, I’ll be happy.  Tonight Derek is making a Nicoise Salade with fresh grilled tuna.  I love it and always feel healthy when I eat it, so it’s a good way to start what is likely to be a grueling week at work. 

Happy New Year, peeps, and I wish you all the best of life this year and every year.