{ramona williams}

{Starting Off The Day}

I have collected various smoothie recipes, but I'm using one of my own creations for this drink. 

1 banana
4 to 5 strawberries
2 celery stalks
2 carrots (I think next time I will use one)
One handful of spinach (about 1/2 cup)
1 apple (I used gala apple)
2 tbsp flax seed
2 tsp maca powder
2 tbsp wheat bran
Water (Started with one cup. Added more till I achieved desired consistency.)

Blend. Serve.

Marc is the reigning Smoothie King around here, but I think I'm starting to give him some competition. :-)

{Black Eyed Peas}

Enjoying black eyed peas leftovers from New Years Day. 

I've read that it's a southern tradition to eat black eyed peas on New Years Day for good luck. I don't believe in luck, but I do like black eyed peas; I have eaten them often over the years. Marc enjoyed the peas, he gave his thumbs up too.

Following is a recipe I used with a few improvisations. (Used substitutes for cayenne pepper, no bacon. Also cooked the peas on the stove instead of the slow cooker. But, I will try the slow cooker next time.) 

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours

Ingredients:

1 pound dried black-eyed peas
1 large onion
1 large ham hock
2 to 4 slices cooked bacon (can use heat 'n eat kind)
1 large onion
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or use 1 fresh clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

In a large saucepan, cover peas with water to 3 inches over the peas. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, then simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Place ham hock, sliced onion, bacon, pepper, garlic and salt in the slow cooker/Crock Pot. Pour in 3 cups water. Cover and cook on HIGH until peas are tender and ready to go in. When peas are tender, transfer to the slow cooker/Crock Pot. Reduce heat to LOW; cover and cook for 7 to 9 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with hot cornbread. Black-eyed pea recipe serves 6 to 8.


from: http://southernfood.about.com/od/crockpotbeans/r/bl120c3.htm

{Two-Bite Delights for Christmas}

It is never too early to start preparing for Christmas!  In fact, yesterday evening Marc and I were discussing ideas for Christmas dinner. (We are the host family this year.)  So, it was a cool surprise to see an email in my inbox from bhg.com with a ton of ideas for Holiday cookies, crafts and decor.

Following is a link to some wonderful bite size cookie recipes from Better Homes and Gardens that you can surprise your friends and family with wonderful gifts this holiday season. I know I will be making cookies this year, but haven't finalized which recipe.  So many to choose from!!!

 
{photo: Cherry Tassies. bhg.com}

Two-Bite Delights Christmas Cookie Recipes