Happy New Year!

Happy New Year friends and family! It was back to work today! I had to jump start my car. So - either that means I have a pretty run-down government car or they gave us too much time off. I know the answer but I'm not going to say!

New Year's Eve was quiet for us. We watched "the ball" drop from the comforts of our family room couch while the boys were fast asleep. Perhaps when they get older we'll celebrate on a larger scale. My parents were scheduled to visit for the New Year holiday but couldn't travel as they're recovering from being sick. I don't really believe in "luck" but I do believe in tradition and fun. Therefore, we burned a Bayberry candle on New Year's Eve and Day. Justin's grandmother believes if you do this that you won't run out of money during the year. My grandmother always served cabbage on New Year's Day for "good luck". I had planned to make cabbage rolls if she visited but decided on black-eyed peas and cornbread which pretty much hold the same meaning. We choked down the black-eyed peas (next year I'm cooking them with pinto beans!) but all the boys LOVED the cornbread. I grew up eating what I thought was the best cornbread in the world but have not been able in ten plus years to get Justin eating it. He always wants "sweet" cornbread. I finally found a recipe he loves as well as the boys. Like to hear it? Hear it go...

"Justin's Sweet Cornbread"
2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 box butter cake mix
5 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 butter (softened)

Mix all ingredients and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown on top and toothpick comes out clean from the middle.

Enjoy! And, yes, this is bad for you!