New Year's Feast

I remember reading a long time ago that eating lentils gives you good luck for the new year. Well, I don't believe in luck, but lentils are still pretty good! I try to make this meal every New Year's Eve.

What are some of your traditions, if any? I'd love to hear!

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Lentil Soup

3 or 4 chicken breasts -- I cook boneless breasts in a pressure cooker until the meat is quite tender, then shred it.

about 4 cups dried lentils

about 16 cups chicken broth, divided

1 1/2 cups chopped onions -- I cheat to use a frozen bag of chopped onions. You can saute these in olive oil if you want.

1-2 cans (11 oz each) condensed tomato soup

2-3 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes

16 oz fresh spinach, or 1 bag frozen chopped spinach (NOTE: use the fresh spinach if you can -- it's really good!)

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Rinse lentils in collander, then in saucepan cover them with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and let them simmer awhile until they're soft (1-2 hours). Add onions and simmer for awhile. Add broth as needed. Mix in chicken, tomato soup, and diced tomatoes. Lastly, add spinach, but don't cook for a long time with the spinach. You can serve this the same day, or let it go till tomorrow. BTW making soup is just throwing stuff in the pot, so if you have some nice-looking sweet potatoes or carrots or celery or whatever, just add 'em in! Season with salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, or whatever. This soup freezes well.

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Hot Biscuits

best served with butter and jam

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup oil
scant cup milk (or about 1/3 cup dried milk plus water)

Mix together, adding flour as needed to make thick dough. Knead until smooth, roll out, and cut. Reroll scraps and cut again -- you know the drill. Bake at 425F until lightly browned.

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Key Lime Pie

OK, it's not REALLY key lime, but this pie is reminiscent! Very easy and impressive.

Crust:
1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs or about 5-6 graham crackers, crushed
1/4 cup sugar
3/8 cup oil

Mix together and press into bottom of pie pan

Pie:

2 whole eggs
2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk (fat-free or regular)
4 oz lime juice
4 oz lemon juice
1 container Cool Whip, defrosted

Mix eggs, milk, and lemon/lime juice -- pour into prepared pan. Bake 350F about 15 minutes or until a light glaze forms. Cool in refrigerator for a few minutes, then spread Cool Whip on top. Store in refrigerator.