Hoppin John Poem in a Shop

Today is the last day for IPYPIASM & I decided to write an actual poem for the occasion. I have to say that this placement was QUITE nerve wracking because the grocery store was INSANE today! I guess the double-whammy of snow & New Year's Eve was enough to make everyone come to the store. I was amused because our store was remodeled a couple of months ago & they moved everything around. And obviously all these extra shoppers hadn't been in since the remodeling - they all just moved around in circles with confused looks on their faces. I should have been taking pictures of them. Instead, I placed my poem (after I got my two cans of peas), took my picture & skedaddled to the next aisle. Whew! Now I can relax back into my life of obscurity.

Note: Hoppin John is eaten on New Year's Day for luck. Go here to read more about it.

And here's the recipe I'm making tomorrow:

Hoppin' John Soup
Serves 6

1 large onion - chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound kielbasa -- chopped
2 cans black-eyed peas -- drained
1 can navy beans -- drained
1 cup brown rice, cooked
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper -- optional
1/2 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper -- to taste
2 cans chicken broth

In a soup pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and cook till translucent. Add kielbasa, peas and beans, rice, broth and seasoning. Stir well to blend and heat. Mash beans slightly to help thicken soup (use the back of your spoon or a potato masher). Serve when hot.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with corn muffins (make or buy), and a big spinach salad.

Happy New Year everyone!