If you’ve been reading our blog very long or if you know me very well, you have probably figured out that I love all things Southern. I mean Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Virginia and Texas. Since I was born and raised in Missouri, I like to think I am a Southerner…..oh, well sort of.

That said, a tradition that our family has shared for many, many years is eating black eyed pea dip on New Year’s Day. This ritual is said to bring prosperity and much “good luck” to all who partake. We take a moment to reflect on all the blessings of the past year and say a prayer of gratitude. Some years this has been easier to do than in others, but each and every year is sprinkled full of so much to be thankful for that this is an important time for each of us. After we have reflected on the past year, we turn our thoughts to the New Year and share our hopes and dreams for all that the New Year holds. It is always a bit magical to enjoy this dip and have fun with our plans for the future.

Kathy and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for reading our blog this past year. We never imagined that 2011 would hold so much for us and that we would complete not one, but two cookbook manuscripts! Wow! A lot can happen in 12 months.

We have some special announcements to make in 2012, so please come back, pull up a chair, savor recipes and stories with us. We would love to hear from you.

Happy New Year!