Friday, January 8, 2021

A Joyful Heart

by Diana McCollum 

 For the first time ever we can truly say 2020 is behind us! There is a vaccine coming to all of us very soon! With the vaccine, when most people are vaccinated, will come a shift towards life as we knew it before the pandemic. I don’t want to dwell on all the negativity that has been part of all our lives right through today. 

Instead, what are we going to do going forward? I have come to appreciate my friends and family so much more. I’m hoping my weekly zoom meetings with family and friends will continue. As I am always uplifted after seeing their faces and hearing their voices. I intend to keep up my daily walks and i always find something new to be thankful for. Sometimes a deer in a neighbor's yard or a bunch of tiny pinecones that fell from a tree. The blue sky and fluffy white clouds, so many things to be thankful for. and so many more things too many to name.

I want to learn new skills. My friend and are holding each other accountable for spending time on writer related things. The book I’m working on will be published in 2021, which is exciting. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and hopeful for a peaceful world. There is some joy in every day. If one can find even that small amount of joy it is uplifting. One thing I enjoy is cooking. I must say during the pandemic I’ve cooked new deserts more often than healthy meals. That is one thing I am changing.


I’d like to share a New Year’s recipe with you. It is from my recipe book “A Kitchen Witch’s Cookbook”, by Patricia Telesco.

As you go forward into the New Year I wish you the Magical attributes of this recipe which are: Strength, courage, vitality, and fire magic. 
Red Bean Rally (Cuba) 
 1lb red beans Pepper
 ½ lb cooked, cubed pork
 1 large onion chopped 
3 cloves garlic minced
 1 red pepper diced
 ½ tsp dried thyme
 2 tbls olive oil
 ½ tsp dried basil
 1 tomato chopped 
1 bay leaf
 4 ½ tsps. Vinegar Salt
 3 cups cooked rice 


Soak the beans for 12 hours and then drain. Combine the beans, pork, garlic, thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and 5-6 cups of water in a large pot. Simmer. Saute the onion and pepper in the oil. Add to the beans with tomato and vinegar. Simmer till the beans are done, 20-30 mins. Serve on a bed of rice with a hard boiled egg or lemon slices as garnish. Yield: 6 servings


Celebrations: Solar and fire festivals, Feast of Banners, Feast of Juniper Enjoy the recipe!!! 


"The bookshop has a thousand books, all colors, hues and tinges And every cover is a door that turns on magic hinges." by Nancy B. Turner 

 What things are you doing for yourself in the New Year?

7 comments:

Judith Ashley said...

Diana, that recipe looks good except for the red pepper...but then one could just leave it out.

Lynn Lovegreen said...

Great post, Diana! I love to cook, and will have to try your recipe. ;-) One of my things is getting back to regular walks in the new year.

Diana McCollum said...

thanks Judith. Yes, you could always alter it anyway you want.

Thanks, for stopping by Lynn. Walking outdoors is great for us. We use all our senses being out doors and in the moment.

Deb N said...

Diana - thanks for giving us such an upbeat message, when the world seems to be in turmoil. But one thing that always helps is a good recipe. And at this time of year, a great bowl of soup. Can't wait to try this!

Maggie Lynch said...

Joy to you, Diana! I love your goals, particularly the regular walks. I'm sharing your recipe with my husband as he is the chef in our house. He is making a hearty chicken soup this week, but I know he would love this meal as well.

I DO believe that 2021 is going to be a time of change and redirecting our efforts to those things we need and love in our lives.

Diana McCollum said...

Thanks for stopping by Deb. I know you love cooking soups! So enjoy!

Maggie, we can't go wrong with regular walks for sure. Let me know how you like the soup!

Peggy said...

One of my resolves this year is to exercise more and eat healthier. This recipe looks great and I find it fascinating that the Kitchen Witch Cookbook mentions what the different foods are good for to maintain health. I have just ordered a copy. Thanks for such an upbeat message in this time of change.