Here is Times Square in New York City with a few days remaining in 2014. It’s a tradition for us to watch the ball drop at midnight. This has been a good year for our family; perhaps it was the cabbage and black-eyed peas that I fixed last year on New Years Day. I’m a little suspicious, so think I’ll cook the same foods this year, too.
I’m sure every family has holiday traditions–including Christmas and Hanukkah. At our home, we start Christmas morning with a hearty breakfast and then take a leisurely time (usually all morning) to open and enjoy presents. Omelets made to order is a favorite for breakfast; this year I plan to make a quiche for a little variation.
Over the years, I have collected many favorite Christmas cookie recipes. They make great gifts for school teachers and friends. One year I added decorated cut-out cookies to our Christmas tree decorations. Alas, they mischievously disappeared a few at a time. It’s baking time again, here are a few of my favorites.
I love to bake desserts especially cakes and cookies. During the winter holiday season they make great homemade gifts and elegant additions to a festive meal. I received a Poppy Seed Pound Cake one year as a gift which was delicious. So I thought it would be fun to make some old-fashioned pound cakes and started experimenting with recipes. Here’s what happened.
Festive Creamed Spinach is variation of a popular Louisiana-originated dish, Spinach Madeleine. The recipe is creamed spinach with cheese and fresh jalapeno peppers. The dish has become a holiday favorite served at buffets and meals in the South. If you are not a great spinach lover–give this recipe a try–it is delicious.
beyondgumbo 
