New Years Remixed

 I am getting up early today. I have a lot going on, New Year’s Eve always kicks off my birthday celebration. Today’s celebration will be no different, well, maybe just a little(pandemic and all) Instead of the big to do, rented ballroom, DJ and catered meal, I am going to have a small shindig at my house, with close family, and maybe a friend or two. I am also set to leave town next day,  for, a weekend getaway. 

I am both excited and anxious. Excited to be getting away for a little time, with hubby, no kids, no worries at least for a couple days. I have strategically chosen a few places I am going to blog about. I am anxious because, I want to film a video today, edit and post to my socials, including here. But, I also have manicure, pedicure and hair to do. Oh, and my little grand baby is keeping me company while his mom runs an errand. He is in the separation anxiety phase, and has recently discovered if he shrills a certain way it will garner attention and concern.  And, surely a cuddle, and kisses from his Gammy. All of this is going on in my mind and around me this morning.

But, I digress, lol.

I saw a recipe in a magazine that I wanted to share. I was so excited because it reminds me of New Year’s Eve when I was a young girl. My mom would make black eyed peas, greens and a smoked meat. The smell of the food would be in the air all day. Sautéed onions and bell pepper, garlic…my fav smells.  If you want people to think you hooked it up in the kitchen, sauté an onion add some garlic. People always tend to come see what is happening in the kitchen if there are delicious smells in the air. 

For this recipe I used my crockpot, to allow myself time to get other things done 

 I used:

Chopped Collards (prepackaged)

2 cans roasted tomato

2 cans black eyed peas 

2 cans black eyed peas with bacon   

Red, yellow, green bell pepper (1/2 of each diced, the other half coarsely chopped)

1lb. Ground sweet Italian sausage 

1lb ground mild Italian sausage

Smoked turkey tails

Minced garlic

Chicken Broth 

Cumin, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt & pepper

Brown the sausage, add minced garlic, sauté a minute, add bell pepper, stir. Meanwhile, wash greens. Add smoked meat to the crockpot. Strain sausage, pour mixture over smoked meat, add peas and tomato, and collards. Pour in chicken broth, season, and set on high. Cook 4 hours. At hour 3, stir in coarsely chopped veggies. Can be served with cornbread 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!