Happy New Year, friends! As we step into a brand-new year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your support, encouragement, and kindness make this space such a joy to share. While I’m no wellness expert, I love sharing my journey toward a healthier lifestyle, learning alongside you, and incorporating your amazing tips into my routines. I’m so excited for what this year will bring for all of us, and I’m wishing you love, health, and happiness in abundance!
Now, let’s dive into two traditional New Year’s Day recipes that are close to my heart: Hoppin’ Johns and creamy bacon bone broth collard greens. These dishes are not only comforting and packed with flavor but also rich in tradition, symbolizing luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Hoppin’ Johns
Hoppin’ Johns has been a staple in my dad’s family for years. This Cajun-inspired dish combines black-eyed peas and dirty rice, delivering a deliciously savory and slightly spicy bowl of goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 3 cups water
- 4 oz ham, chopped (ham hocks work great!)
- 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder
- 1-2 tbsp avocado oil
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the bell pepper and onion in avocado oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and seasonings to taste, stirring for another minute.
- Stir in the ham and let it cook for 5-10 minutes until crispy on the edges.
- Add the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked.
- Stir in the black-eyed peas and add a second round of the same seasonings. Cover and cook on low for another 5-10 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Creamy Bacon Bone Broth Collard Greens
I’ve been inspired to make collards this year because of their rich symbolism—bringing wealth, prosperity, and good luck. This recipe elevates the classic dish with added protein and nutrients from bacon and bone broth.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 head of collard greens, ribs removed and roughly chopped
- 2 slices bacon (I love @pedersonsfarms), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ white or yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup chicken bone broth (I recommend @bonafideprovisions)
- 2 tbsp cream or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp cream cheese (Greek cream cheese for higher protein)
- 1 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ¼ tsp dried ginger
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon, onion, and garlic, sautéing until the bacon is slightly crispy.
- Add collard greens, butter, and seasonings. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring, until the greens begin to wilt.
- Pour in the bone broth, turn the heat to medium-high, and cover the skillet. Let the greens simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cream and cream cheese, cooking until fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve.
These dishes pair beautifully together, creating a cozy, flavorful meal to welcome the new year. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones or enjoying a quiet start to the year, I hope this brings warmth and good vibes to your table.
Wishing you all a big, bright, and beautiful year ahead. Thank you for being here—you mean so much to me!
Love,
Erin
