Hoppin' New Year!

I was born and raised in Ohio and my family always ate barbecued ribs and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day. I’m not sure why pork and kraut is supposed to usher in good fortune, but that’s the custom where I come from.

Hmmm. Didn’t work too well last year, did it?

I moved to southern West Virginia 11 years ago, and for the past several years have added Hoppin’ John to our January 1st menu. I substitute Canadian bacon for ham hocks to try to healthy it up a little, and I do think it’s one of the most delicious dishes on the planet. My husband says he doesn’t care for it, but I think he just forgets from one Day One to the next. Or maybe he’d rather fill up on ribs.

This year I’m trying something even more different. We’ve been eating from the panty and freezer for the past couple of weeks, and I found a can of coconut milk on a shelf. Bangkok Hoppin’ John to the rescue!

I’ll let you know how it tastes … and a year from now, I’ll let you know how it worked. Heh.

I know I’ve been kind of whiny here lately, and that’s not fun for either of us. I woke up this morning thinking of my promise yesterday to look for the good stuff that happens every day. Because, you know, good stuff does happen. Every day.

I’ve been blinded by the dark – it’s time to let the light back in.