New Years Gumbo

Every January 1st, my friends and I gather together for a delicious meal and fellowship to welcome the new year.  This year our tradition was moved to parallel the Rose Parade (which is never held on a Sunday).

Gumbo is a New Years tradition for many families across the country, and is definitely something I look forward to every year.  I have yet to learn how to make it, but this dish is a must for me.

So what’s a meal without dessert?  I went to work in the kitchen as usual to provide baked good for the masses.  The first couple pictures were from my mom’s anytime variety bars.  It’s a really simple recipe that yields a tasty treat that everyone loves.

I also have become responsible for the peach cobbler on New Years Day.  (It’s the one on the table with the messed-up lattice crust).  The dessert table is probably one of the worst temptations ever!  I walked away with a taste of my three favorite choices only, and a scoop of ice cream to top it off.  Oh, and I am now doing a two week raw food diet because of this…

After all of the food and a little food coma, the fun begins.  It was at this New Years dinner that I was introduced to the game of Tripoley, although the way we play is on a whole other level!  Players will bring their JARS of coins and bets (as well as threats) are made.  All in good fun of course.

To break from the intenseness of the game, everyone let loose and showed off their moves for a little while.  We had a group lesson on how to “Wobble“… very hilarious.  It was a great way to work off a few of those extra calories.

Man, I love starting off a new year!  What are your traditions???