Welcoming 2012 With Good Food And Family "Southern Style"!

My family spent most of the week after Christmas until New Year's at our lake house.  We packed up games, rented movies, bought food and fireworks and basically had a BIG, FAT, LOUD ringing in of the New Year!

There's no better place to unwind and enjoy being with family after the hectic holiday season.  And we did just that this past week...

Once everybody began to make their way to the lake, the eating and game playing began...

From Monopoly to Phase 10, Mexican Train Domino's and Smart Ass, the newest addition to our game collection, we played games with a competitive spirit unheard of by most people!

And eating is always part of our family celebrations...This is some toasted brie and almonds, served with sliced green apples and toasted bagels!

And this delicious dip recipe that I borrowed from a friend years ago, is an addictive favorite:

"Raspberry Jezebel"

1 cup mayonnaise

2 cups mild shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp. red pepper

1 bunch of green onions, chopped

Mix this all together, form into a ball and chill in the refrigerator.

After removing from the refrigerator, top with chopped pecans and raspberry preserves.

Serve with corn chips...and ENJOY!

Then, of, course, the evening went out with a bang, as our guys entertained us with a fireworks show of their own...

While some stayed up into the wee hours of 2012 playing games, others retired on the first "official" day of the New Year.

By morning, Robby and I began preparing our annual "Southern New Year's Day Lunch" of cabbage and black-eyed peas (for money and prosperity in the New Year...). 

And home made cinnamon rolls and coffee greeted all of the late morning risers...

It is said that whatever one does on New Year's Day, they will be doing all year long.  Good food and conversation with family?...I'll take that any old day of the year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!