Welcome 2011

Last night I started thinking about New Year's Eve. What is the history behind this eve that makes for all of the reveling and noise? I was also ruminating about the song "Auld Lang Syne" and wondered where in the heck we had gotten that one from.... so this morning I did I little Googling to answer these burning questions.

It seems, from my brief reads, that some historical types believe that the celebrations of New Years Eve can be traced back to the ancient Roman celebration called Saturnalia - generally held at the time of the Winter Solstice. Apparently this holiday was also celebrated with over indulgence and a general feeling of "out with the old and in with new". Of course the over indulging must have often led to not remembering the old - just as many people celebrate New Year's now!

The song "Auld Lang Syne" was written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788. The words mean "old long since" - the good ole' days. One writer stated that the words basicially mean "the entire song's message merely means to just forget about the past and look ahead to the new year with hope". Sounds like a good plan to me!

Lest we forget the noise that generally accompanies the New Year's Eve celebration. The consensus seems to be that this custom of a New Year's Eve auditory assault is a custom embraced by many countries - all meant to frighten the evil spirits and drive them away.

View at the Harbor this past Wednesday

For my part, even in my youthful days, I was not a huge fan of New Year's Eve celebrations. That may be because I tend to feel claustrophobic in large crowds and because I also tend to be noise sensitive. Not that a bit of bubbly (one of my favorite things before I decided to use the money for art supplies instead!) has never passed my lips - but I generally preferred to stay home - or at the most - have a quiet gathering of several good friends. In the early days of my life I would always make a traditional New Year's meal - complete with Hopping John. 

These days our custom is to be in bed with a good read by 9PM - I can hear the fireworks if I am still reading at midnight - and I am assured of greeting the first morning of the New Year with a clear head and much anticipation.

Oh! Lest I forget - resolutions? I am considering choosing a "word for the year". Do you make resolutions? What are your New year's traditions?

Whatever you are doing this New Year's Eve - be safe. I wish each of you a 2011 that is blessed by peace, joy, health and prosperity - and just a touch of magic too! Thank you all for stopping by the blog - I truly appreciate your readership

New Year's Tradition:Food

As I mentioned in my last post, I don't exactly get wild and crazy over New Year's. I DO, however, make the same meal almost every year. This recipe for Black Bean & Sirloin chili has been a favorite since I discovered it in the February 1992 issue of Gourmet Magazine. It's from the Fog City Diner. I am not much of a chili fan normally - but this is a great recipe and is nothing like chili made with ground meat. Here's a link for it: http://tinyurl.com/yornms.

I've Hopping John every year since the 70's (oops - that must surely date me!) Generally I am not terrible superstitious - but ,heck, why take a chance at the start of New Year - especially when it tastes good !! I add corn bread to the menu- and that rounds out a nice, spicy gastronomical start to the year !

The beginning of tasty hopping john - just add onions and a bit of bacon and I'm ready to set it in the crock pot.