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New Year's Fun

Well, it's already January 2nd!! Did you have a good New Year? I hope so--we sure did!




Ours was nice and relaxed. On New Year's Eve we stayed home with the kiddos. I prepared a sort-of-antipasto meal for us and then we went into the backyard and shot off a few Roman candles. The kiddos loved that! Afterwards we tucked them in bed (before 9), then Vince and I relaxed a little with some sparkling grape juice and a little tv. Not that exciting, I know, but it worked for us this year:) Maybe next year we'll go on a hot date--it's been a few New Year's Eves ago since we had a chance to do that. I'm not big on New Year's eve parties, but I do like a nice date with my hubby at a *fancy* restaurant. What about you? I noticed everyone has been choosing "cozy night at home" on my little sidebar poll.


On New Year's Day we invited some friends over to just hang out, eat, watch some football and play some Cranium. That was a lot of fun! Like good Southerners, we had our black-eyed peas and greens: in this case, Texas Caviar and Spinach & Artichoke dip. If you haven't tried these, you need to!!


Spinach & Artichoke Dip
(from Among Friends *Keeping Good Company*)

1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real kind!)
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup real mayonnaise
1 (10 oz.) box frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
1 clove garlic, minced
3 or 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
tortilla chips
*****
Preheat oven to 350F. Coarsely chop artichoke hearts and blend in Parmesan cheese. Combine with the next four ingredients in a baking dish. Bake 20 minutes. Top with sliced cheese and return to the oven for an additional 2 or 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips and salsa and sour cream, if desired.

For Christmas I got the Taste of Home Cookbook and when I saw the recipe for Texas Caviar I knew it would be perfect for New Year's Day. It was a huge hit--so yummy!! Go check it out!
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