beans

The day my son was born, I had taken off from work with big plans to cook all day and stock the freezer in preparation for his impending arrival.

I’m not always great at planning ahead, but I felt really on top of things this time. I had freshly dried pinto beans from the farmers market soaking in a big pot of water on the stove, a vegetable bed overflowing with swiss chard and a pile of potatoes on the kitchen counter.

The baby wasn’t due for a another month and, if all went according to plan, I’d have a freezer full of homemade soups, potato knish, and pinto beans simmered with swiss chard waiting for me when that day finally came.

All did not go according to plan….

Hoppin' John Risotto from https://test.pleasepassthepeas.com

Whew!

2013 was a great — albeit sometimes difficult — year.

I had a baby, who decided to turn up five weeks early and then had to spend three weeks in the hospital. I saw my husband through two surgeries — one minor and one major (a new knee!) — and my cat through one. I watched my little brother get married and then, a month later, one of my cousins. I mourned the loss of my great uncle, David. I introduced my son to his great grandfather. I quit my job.

With everything that’s happened in the past year, it’s hard to imagine that 2014 might have even more in store.

I’m not a very superstitious person but, like any good Southerner, I always make sure to usher in the New Year with black-eyed peas and a mess of greens….

Pinto beans with swiss chard

Hoppin’ John risotto with cider vinegar sauce