It takes Two

ON THE EVE

On The Day

persistent tradition

WALLPAPER:  SALT PORK

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.. The persistent tradition of black eyed peas for the new year is a Southern American tradition that dates to the colonial times and grew and spread during the mid 1800's and through the 'Great Depression.'

..  One of the earliest written recipes in the American culinary lexicon is for Hoppin' John. It can trace it's origin to the African and Haitian dishes prepared by slaves.
.. The black eyed peas supposedly represent good luck. Corn bread represents gold. Greens represent cash. The tradition grew rapidly in post depression America - particularly in the southern states.

.. Up here in the north it's hard to get collard greens. Spinach can be substituted. The other basic ingredients like bacon, rice and salt pork can easily be procured.
.. Our recipe requires a long soak for the peas and a short soak for the salt pork.
.. The salt pork provides the meat for the beans and for the cracklin's to sprinkle on the top.
.. Unbeknownst to most Americans are the affinities to the deep south owned by Montana. It's a bit of history lost to many folks here and in the south. Anyway - it has to do with gold and slaves. Way up here!
.. We're soaking right now. We will crackle later in the day and may put the dish together tonight for a late dinner. It doesn't hurt to have two good luck meals: one at the end of the year and one to start the new one.

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WINTER NYMPH BOX

.. We finally got a bit of snow last night. The neighborhood has 4 or 5 inches and the mountains have an avalanche warning. The multiple small snowfalls have produced a dry sugar base and several layers that have been winnowed by wind and surface melt.
.. Sledheads and back country skiers should be alert to the danger. Chutes and runout areas should be assiduously avoided.
.. There are a few stalwart neighbors that fish a "secret" spot on the eve of the new year. This is to seek a final fish for this year. Some count and some measure. Good on 'em ??

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WALLPAPER: CHORIZO CON HUEVOS