RECIPES: HOPPIN' HOLIDAY
Cook up some happiness for the holidays
BY:BONNIE TANDY LEBLANG, MS, RD
The holiday season often stirs up a mixed bag of emotions; we all think we're supposed to have fun-filled times, and we often end up feeling melancholy when we don't. As the caregiver, you can help tip the scale to "happy" by trying to make meals special for you and your loved ones.
Add a smidgeon of cheer by setting a festive table. Drop in a pinch of joy by placing a card or handwritten note on a meal tray or a family photo or trinket on the table.
And don't forget about you. Find time to revitalize with a warm bath, a walk around the block or a minute of solitude out in the fresh air. This recipe will help you find that time. It's quick to make, delicious to eat, and easy to prepare ahead of time. (For more easy, quick and nutritious recipes, click here.)
Hoppin' John
This hearty bean-and-rice dish is a traditional Southern New Year's favorite that's guaranteed to provide stick-to-your-ribs comfort.
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 27 minutes
Necessities:
Andouille sausage (8 ounces), diced
Onion (1 medium), finely diced
White rice (3/4 cup)
Black-eyed peas (15-ounce can), rinsed and drained
Chicken broth (14.5-ounce can)
On Hand:
Olive oil
Garlic cloves (2), minced
Salt
How to: Heat 1 teaspoon oil in heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add sausage; cook 3 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook 3 minutes more while stirring. Add rice; stir 1 minute. Add black-eyed peas, broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt and, if using, 1 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.
More time? Soak, then cook, 2 cups dried black-eyed peas.
Go withs: Crusty bread, fruit, green salad