Happy New Year, let’s eat

Eating Hoppin’ John and greens is a southern, New Year’s tradition! The recipe first appeared in The Carolina Housewife by Sarah Rutledge, published in 1847.  The legend is that eating Hoppin’ John, greens, and cornbread will bring wealth and good luck in the coming year: the beans represent coins, the greens – paper money, and the cornbread for gold.  The bacon is there because it’s delicious.

Since everyone we know was gifted an Instant Pot this year, here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Hoppin’ John:

hoppin j

INGREDIENTS

1 pound dried black-eyed peas
5 cups water*
2 Tbsp. Better than Bouillon, chicken flavor*
1/2 cup crumbled bacon

*You could substitute chicken, beef or vegetable broth for the water & Better than Bouillon.

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add all ingredients into the Instant Pot.
  • Close and lock the lid.
  • Make sure the top knob is turned to “Sealing”.
  • Press the Manual Button.
  • Adjust “Pressure” to high (if not there already).
  • Set for 30 minutes (using the + or – buttons) and you’re done!
  • Let cook, then naturally cool (although it will keep warm until you turn it off).
  • Serve with rice and greens, cooked how you like.

 

Notes: If you prefer the peas a little firmer, adjust cooking time to 20 or 25 minutes – it will take longer than 30 minutes for them to be ready to eat; you have to wait for it to pressurize and then wait for it to depressurize; 50 minutes total “cook time” assuming 10 minutes to reach pressure and 10 minutes to cool. Those times may vary.

And if you’d like a recipe for cornbread, we like Martha Stewart’s: https://www.marthastewart.com/859136/classic-cornbread

 

 

From all of us at the Turnip Truck, we hope you have a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!

Handy Last-Minute Gift Guide, Holiday 2017

It’s almost that time – and if you’ve still got some shopping to do, let us help.  Check out this handy gift guide to thoughtful gifts you can quickly pick up while you’re shopping at the Turnip Truck.  It’s a one-stop holiday shop!

For the amateur sommelier: Our wine and wine accessories selection is sure to thrill any wine lover on your list!  An easy but elegant gift for your most #butfirstwine-oriented friend could be a lovely bottle from our expertly-crafted selection, a beautiful wooden wine holder – and don’t forget the cheese!

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For the coffee buff: We stock a large selection of locally-roasted (and many are award-winning) coffee beans! Pick up a unique Bongo Java or Crema roast (or two!) and a Bodum reusable cup in our coffee aisle, and you’re set with a great gift to give your favorite coffee addict. For an extra-special pairing, grab a bar of extra-dark Olive & Sinclair chocolate!

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For the home chef: anything from our curated selection of unique and useful kitchen items is sure to delight the home chefs in your life.  From super pragmatic to pleasantly gadgety, any our kitchen items would make great gifts.  One of our favorites is the Pancake Pen – make it a theme with a cute spatula and a sack of local pancake mix from Southern City Flavors and local maple syrup from O’Brother’s Maple Farm.

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For the pet parent: We can’t forget the pets, can we?  For the person in your life whose four-legged friend is a priority, shop our pet-friendly gifts: chew toys, local treats, and fresh food are great options.  Good news, too, all of these items will look good on their pet’s Instagram.

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For your office Secret Santa: if you drew Karen from Finance’s name and the only thing you know about Karen is that she really likes cats *and* your Secret Santa limit is under $15, don’t worry, we got you.  We stock a bunch of nifty gifties that anyone would love!  From local chocolate – may we suggest a gift box of Colt’s Bumble Bees – to pretty, handmade earrings, Karen from Finance is sure to love anything you pick out.

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And, if all else fails, we know we’d love to get a Turnip Truck gift card – available in-stores in any amount!

Happy gifting, and happy holidays 🙂

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