To say nothing of the fact that Men-nu found me. With clear vision he realized I needed a mascot to keep me focused and in my writing chair. Someone to provide a gentle nudge towards the writing machine I call my computer. As a creative with an overactive idea generator a writing partner would help keep me on task. Maybe even keep me away from the dreaded Satan’s eyeball AKA tv.

First of all, this lover of all things seafood could distract me away momentarily long enough to scratch under his chin. Indeed possibly even move me out of the chair long enough to locate the little squirrel stuffed with catnip or toss him a treat.

Secondly, my new mascot needed a new home as much as I needed a writing partner.

Why did I need a writing partner?

In addition, writing projects, non fiction books and research materials were piling up on more than one desk in my home. In light of a desire to create and put a pen to paper or fingers to keys needed a gentle motivator besides my natural inclinations. After work or end of the day fatigue was sucking my energy, brain power and vitality.

After all, vitamins were clearly only going to do so much with this twenty year old plus plus plus body and booty. Clearly a mascot is exactly what I needed and in walked Men-nu. Above all in 2020, I want to complete several writing ideas that I have had on my mind. My new mascot and New Years Day menu should give me a winning start for 2020. No point in tempting the fates.

My new Mascot and New Year’s Day Menu

Of course, I have no intention of sharing my mascot Men-nu but I will share a winning New Year’s day menu. Last but not least here are a few recipes that will go well with the new year. Please let me know what you think if you cook any of them. Genuinely, I would love to hear your feedback.

Sweet and Savory Appetizer

Drowning Seasoned Pork Roast in Yesterdays Wine

Salubrious Turnip Greens and Roots or Southern Turnip Greens

Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole

Old Southern Rice Dressing

Mimi’s Never Fail Spirited Fig Bundt Cake

In summary, January 1st of any year is a good day to reflect about the past and start a list of improvements. Mix it up with great friends,food, favorite vino or handcrafted cocktails and football if you must. Especially this is a winning combination for any party and day of the year.

Blessing to you and yours,
Love from Mimi’s Kitchen

PS- Sadly I do not have a black eyed pea recipe to add to the New Years Day menu. Over the next year I will add this to my list of things to create. Here is a link to one of my favorite chefs John Folse for his Cajun Black Eyed Peas. I have not tried this recipe but his food has always been fabulous. Although, I believe that his recipe will feed more than the 6 servings that it indicates.

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Perfect recipe to play with while spending an afternoon in the kitchen with friends cooking and laughing. Friends that you  connect with as soon as you meet. Somehow you know they will be in it for the long haul.

Sunshine and my newest guest chef, Day Trader joined me in the kitchen to cook a great lunch.  Absolutely lovely way to spend a day. Did I mention the champagne? Everyone chipped in to prepare an item for lunch and helped with the clean up.

Well almost everyone, Grill Man breezed in just before lunch was ready wearing a “hungry-man” look. Do you know that look? It arrives on the scene about thirty minutes before H-A-N-G-R-Y rears its ugly head. Imperative to always avoid hangry, if possible! Folks, just trust me on this one.

When should I cook Never Fail Spirited Fig Pecan Bundt Cake?

Never Fail Spirited Fig Pecan Bundt Cake is a lovely dessert  to compliment any meal any time.  Once you make this cake, it will easily become one of your go to recipes. Recipe is easy enough to prepare and cake preserves well when you need to make ahead for easy entertaining later.

Using a bundt pan delivers a beautiful shape to your cake . Making a glaze instead of icing reduces the amount of sugar  required in recipe. In addition it saves time spent trying to make the cake look like the oh-my-Southern-Living-Holiday-cakes. It takes a skilled hand and multiple attempts to master an  iced cake. A glaze is a never fail option to add to your bundt cake.

Several years ago I attended a bake sale and purchased  one of the Wine Cakes. The women at the bake sale raved about how delicious the cake would taste. Of course, I asked about the recipe. Shirley and Myra were generous enough to share recipe and mail a copy. I have made a form of this cake ever since.

I adapted Shirley and Myra’s recipe to add in a bit of Mimi-ness.  Grill Man said that this version is his favorite so far. Grill Man may be a bit bias.

Shout out to Alexa, play Joe Cocker’s With a little help from my friends. Sometimes good friends are all that you need and for those other times, there is always wine or Never Fail Spirited Fig Pecan Bundt Cake.

More desserts for you to try as suggestions for your next event, family dinner or special table.

St Germain Creamy Cheesecake

Southern Comfort and Oh That Chocolate Pie

Updated 100 year old Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

Happy Cooking Y’all!

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