Tantalizing Thursday-New Year's 2012 Edition

Welcome to the last Tantalizing Thursday of 2011 on Chief 187™Chatter. Thoughts are squarely on New Year’s Eve/Day as this weekend marks the end of 2011 and ushers in 2012. As with most holidays food plays a big role in the celebration. Traditional foods have a firm hold especially when superstitions are associated with the recipe. For New Year’s Hoppin’ John, a dish made with black-eyed peas, ham/bacon, and rice is normally served for good luck. The following recipe offers a new twist on this classic that keeps the main ingredient for all the good luck you want and need in the New Year but switches up the taste.

Texas Caviar
Recipe by Linda Larsen http://busycooks.about.com

Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, quartered
• 8 oz. bottle zesty Italian salad dressing
• 2 (15 oz). cans black eyed peas, drained
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped


Directions:

In large bowl, combine all ingredients except cilantro and stir gently to combine. Serve immediately or store, covered, up to 10 days in refrigerator. When ready to serve, mix in the chopped fresh cilantro and serve as a dip with tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices.

For a quick, easy, and satisfying appetizer try this recipe for Sweet and Spicy Meatballs.

Crockpot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
Recipe by Linda Larsen http://busycooks.about.com

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds precooked frozen meatballs
• 1 cup grape or apple jelly
• 2 cups chili sauce or cocktail sauce


Directions:

Heat meatballs in oven as directed on package. Place in 3-4 quart crockpot. Mix jelly and chili sauce or cocktail sauce thoroughly, pour over meatballs, stir well, cover crockpot, and heat on high 1-2 hours until sauce is hot. Turn heat to low until ready to serve, stirring occasionally.


Finally, for a sweet offering that is unlike the Christmas cookies most have had their fill, try these tasty treats.


Kandy K’noodles
Recipe from http://cooksrecipes.com

Ingredients:

1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1 (12-ounce) package white chocolate chips
1 3/4 cups creamy or crunchy peanut butter
3 cups chow mein noodles
1 cup chopped, dry roasted peanuts
1 cup finely chopped dates


Directions:

1. Line 2 to 3 cookie sheets with wax paper.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, white chocolate chips and peanut butter and microwave at HIGH (100%) for 1 minute; stir. Continue heating 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chips are completely melted and mixture is smooth when stirred.
3. Stir in noodles, peanuts and dates.
4. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto prepared cookies sheets.
5. Allow to set at room temperature, or to speed up the process, refrigerate until set. Store in a cool place.
Makes about 4 1/2 dozen candies.


Whatever your plans this New Year’s Eve/Day, be sure to stay safe, do not drink and drive nor go

in a car with anyone who has been drinking or driving, and enjoy! I hope your 2012 will include Tantalizing Thursday each week! Cheers!

Please join me tomorrow for the year-ending Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.