Hopping John Salad with Molasses Vinaigrette for New Year’s Day Luck

We can all use a little luck as we start the New Year of 2017. In the South, tradition says that blackeye peas symbolize luck and prosperity. They are served on New Year’s Day along with cabbage which symbolizes money and wealth. Here’s a recipe for Hopping John Salad made with blackeye peas and a molasses vinaigrette. I’m just a little superstitious and know if you fix this recipe on January 1, that your new year will be full of good luck!hopping-john-blackeye-pea-salad

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Louisiana Meyer Lemon Marmalade

Here’s another homemade gift idea for the holidays–Meyer Lemon Marmalade. It’s a little different twist on traditional jelly or jam. The Meyer Lemon tree in my backyard that I planted 2 years ago was prolific. I was so excited with the 100 or so lemons that it produced and decided that this would be a good time to try making marmalade. It turned out very well–sweet yet tart with a fruity flavor.Meyer Lemon Marmalade - 2 - IMG_7541

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Turkey Enchilada Casserole, Awsome Leftover Makeovers

Do you have turkey left over after the Thanksgiving or holiday meal is finished?  It seems like a holiday turkey goes a long way. Let’s find ways to use the turkey because it is a very low-fat high protein meat. One idea is Turkey Enchilada Casserole; I adapted a recipe from our local newspaper and the casserole received a thumbs up from my family. It didn’t last long. Turkey is rather bland, so I added seasonings, a low-fat cream sauce and wrapped the turkey filling in white corn tortillas topped with cheese, jalapenos and sour cream. Yum!turkey-enchiladas-casserole-img_2536_1

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Cauliflower Au Gratin with Cajun-Inspired Spices

I love cauliflower, especially when it is baked in a creamy cheese sauce with a bread crumb topping. It is a worthy addition to any holiday buffet meal. My recipe is Cajun-inspired because it has the spicy zip often found in recipes from this part of Louisiana. This is recipe is healthy, too, baked in a low-fat sauce.company-cauliflower-au-gratin-img_2282_1

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