Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2013! I took yesterday off blogging because I didn't get to sleep until 2:15 sm...which is pretty late for an old fart such as myself.

We spent New Year's eve at our friend Ronna's with a group of our friends. It was a blast! Ronna and Richard organized a potluck supper, and we all had to bring foods from the US south. 

Ronna and Richard made fantastic mint juleps...



Gordon and Richard clearly approved!



I don't drink much, but I think I drank three of these... it was the most hard alcohol I've had in ten years! Brought back memories of the B52 party Gordon had just for me in 1990. I've never been much of a drinker, but I have my moments.


Bottoms up, baby!


And the party was just starting at this point! Don't worry, Gordon was my designated driver. I really didn't hammered, just lubricated enough to start singing selections from "The Sound of Music" with Ronna.

The food was divine.

There were fabulous crab cakes...



Acorn-shaped cornbread: crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside.




Deep-fried okra. To die for!! Even more amazing is the fact that Ronna found okra in our very small town.



Sweet potatoes with pine nuts, garlic and parsley.



Sigrun's signature ribs.



Shrimp and grits. Ronna found grits! It's amazing. There were two cups of whipping cream in the recipe and it was so delicious...



Sigrun and Richard set the table...



Richard made the green bean casserole. It was a huge hit.



Black-eyed peas to welcome in the New Year:



And buttermilk coleslaw. What a wonderful spread!



And then came dessert...


I made caramelized banana pudding, complete with the requisite Nilla wafers.



Carolynn made the most beautiful (and delicious) lemon meringue pie.



Sue made upside-down apple-pecan pie.


Then we all exploded! Kidding. Sort of. But I should have worn pants with an elastic waist.


Cheers! Slainte! L'Chaim! 
Hope you all have a wonderful 2013 and thanks so much for reading my blog and leaving so many great comments.

24 comments:

  1. Happy Gnu Year Ma'am, happy gnu year!

    Wibble. Hic?

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    1. Same to you, my dear Owl Wood!

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  2. I've been in pants with an elastic waist for a week. It's dire.

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    1. LOL... I need to add more elastic waists to my wardrobe!

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  3. Is there a better way to start the New Year? I don't think so :)

    I am looking forward to your 2013 posts! Always so well written and interesting and funny!

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    1. THank you Sandra. It is lovely having you here.

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  4. Deep fried okra? I'll have to remember that one. The hell with the elastic waist band on your pants. Live it up once a year.

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    1. It was REALLY good! Not greasy, just nice cornmeal batter. Ronna soaked them in buttermilk first!

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  5. It's the ice that does it....
    Jane x

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  6. You and Ronna have such beautiful photos of this feast. If pants with elastic waist bands are the price to pay for such delicious food and drink, what the hell - go for it!

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    1. Maybe next time I'll just say the hell with it and wear pajamas!

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  7. Anonymous10:59 pm

    Great comfort food -- right down to the banana pudding (which is a staple in southern restaurant salad bars).

    Janet

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    1. We heard that banana pudding was an important component of southern cuisine, so I was determined to bring some!

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  8. What a divine spread! Those desserts had my mouth watering; I may just have to put on my mucklucks and head North:-D
    I resisted any alcohol because of the work I still have to do for the trade show next week, but after the 15th, there are a couple of Cosmos with my name on it!!
    Happy New Year, XOXO

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    1. Happy New Year Susan. Hope it's a great year for you. I can lend you mucklucks. ;)

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  9. What a fun party! I must have misplace my invitation. Next year, I'll be sure to wear my big girl pants.

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    1. You would have been most welcome, Maureen!

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  10. All the food looks so good. And the mint juleps... well, there's nothing like a healthy herbal beverage ... or four.

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  11. What a scrumptious spread!

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  12. Have a wonderful NEW YEAR friends!

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  13. Wow, you got my mouth watering!
    Happy New Year!

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Thank you for all your comments, which I love to read!