Happy New Ear!

It’s New Year’s Eve. I am snug on my couch in my flannel pajamas with my fuzzy, cream bathrobe on, keeping an eye on Topper, cozy in the corner. I am having a cocktail of Maker’s Mark whiskey and Canada Dry Ginger Ale with TWO cherries and am incredibly content.

I’ve never been one to traipse around in high heels at New Year’s Eve parties. I always hated being at parties when it turned midnight and every guy you weren’t interested in wanted to kiss you. No thanks. Give me my bathrobe, a lit tree in the corner and a cocktail and I’m happy.

My parents were much the same, although my mom had some interesting ideas about what brought luck for the New Year. Most everyone agrees that pork is good luck because pigs root around with their snouts in a forward motion. (Italians say Sempre Avanti – always forward.)

My mom took the whole pig scenario a step further and actually carried the pork roast she was going to cook for New Year’s Day dinner to the front porch, just before midnight. I’m guessing this was an attempt to increase the pork’s luck factor.

I think she believed it was doubly lucky if there was a full moon on New Year’s Eve. If so, she would take her purse outside, open it up, hold it up to the moon and say, “Fill it up, fill it up, fill it up!” I watched her do it, as my father stood at the front door staring at her incredulously. Then he’d walk back inside shaking his head. She’d just say, “Nevermind him. Go ahead Frenzy, getta your purse and bring it out.” Apparently, she thought the moon had strong, mysterious banking powers we both could cash in on .

Then when midnight struck, she yelled, “Happy New Ear!”

I’m not sure her antics ever brought in any extra money in the coming year, but the entertainment value was well worth a trip to our house on New Year’s Eve. When she finally did come inside, we’d have a shot of wine, champagne, Vermouth or Anisette to celebrate.

I know I talk about her a lot, but every time I think I’ve told all the stories, I remember another snippet, and feel compelled to share it. Much like I feel compelled to share my favorite new recipes.

Since I’ve been crazy busy I haven’t cooked as much as I wanted to, but I did create a cranberry sauce that was really good. It had fresh pineapple and orange rind and such a wonderful fresh taste, it makes it a perfect accompaniment to turkey or pork chops or chicken. Usually stores still have cranberries for another week or two after Christmas, so try this recipe. Frozen cranberries work too. Try it, you’ll love it!

I wish you the very best in 2020. I even like the sound of 2020. Let’s hope it brings us all health, happiness, peace and prosperity in abundance, as Mom would say.

Cranberry Sauce with Pineapple and Orange Rind

[cooked-recipe id=”18845″]