December 22, 2010
A Low Country New Year’s tradition
If you are spending this New Year’s holiday at one of Festiva’s resorts in the Myrtle Beach area, or if you would simply like to partake in a delicious Low Country tradition wherever you are celebrating, get the family together and make Hoppin’ John for your first meal of 2011.
While the history behind the Hoppin’ John dish is varied, most Low Country residents agree that this Gullah dish will bring you good luck for the entire year if it’s the first thing you eat on New Year’s Day. The dish is fairly basic, with rice, black-eyed peas and ham hock or bacon. Some believe that pairing Hoppin’ John with a side of collard greens could bring you financial luck in the new year.
There are many recipes available for both Hoppin’ John and collard greens, but we’d like to share recipes from a couple of familiar faces from the Food Network. Feel free to leave a comment with your variation on the recipe or other New Year’s traditions your family has!
Emeril Lagasse’s Hoppin’ John recipe on Food Network:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large ham hock
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 pound black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and rinsed
- 1 quart chicken stock
- Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves
- Salt, black pepper, and cayenne
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
- 3 cups steamed white rice
Directions
Heat oil in a large soup pot, add the ham hock and sear on all sides for 4 minutes. Add the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic, cook for 4 minutes. Add the black-eyed peas, stock, bay leaves, thyme, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the peas are creamy and tender, stir occasionally. If the liquid evaporates, add more water or stock. Adjust seasonings, and garnish with green onions. Serve over rice.
*For a vegetarian-friendly option, omit the ham hock and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Paula Deen’s Collard Greens recipe on Food Network:
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound smoked meat (ham hocks, smoked turkey wings, or smoked neck bones)
- 1 tablespoon House seasoning, recipe follows
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon hot red pepper sauce
- 1 large bunch collard greens
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and add smoked meat, house seasoning, seasoned salt and hot sauce. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 1 hour.
Wash the collard greens thoroughly. Remove the stems that run down the center by holding the leaf in your left hand and stripping the leaf down with your right hand. The tender young leaves in the heart of the collards don’t need to be stripped. Stack 6 to 8 leaves on top of one another, roll up, and slice into 1/2 to 1-ince thick slices. Place greens in pot with meat and add butter. Cook for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve with favorite dish as a side.
*For a vegetarian version, omit meat.
House Seasoning:
- 1 cup salt
- 1/4 cup black pepper
- 1/4 cup garlic powder
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
December 14, 2010
Seasonal Shows in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, S.C., is widely known as one of America’s top destinations for a family vacation. The 60 mile strip of U.S. Highway 17 known as the Grand Strand runs parallel to amazing beaches and is dotted with an endless selection of golf courses, putt-putt courses, shops and of course a plethora of live entertainment to chose from. While the summer months find the area swarming with visitors the winter months offer visitors a slower pace of life, yet still provide ample opportunity to enjoy a large selection of seasonal live entertainment.
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary the Carolina Opry Christmas Special is the longest running holiday special in Myrtle Beach and has been highly acclaimed by such publications as the New York Times, CNN and USA Today. The variety show will run daily through Jan. 1, 2011 and features a multi-million dollar laser show, renowned pianist Rocky Fretz, the Grinch and a large selection of dancers and vocal artists. The family friendly show is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit and leave you yearning for more.
Another staple on the Grand Strand, the Palace Theatre, presents a brand new holiday production
for the season, Christmas on Ice. Championship ice skaters glide across the stage and take guests on an unforgettable journey through a winter wonderland while stars from Broadway and London’s West End regale the crowd with a selection of holiday favorites like Silent Night, Let it Snow and Jingle Bells. The new production, sharing the same creators as the international smash hit Spirit of the Dance, is sure to become a new family tradition.
If you’re trying to kill two birds with one stone be sure to check out Dolly Parton’s “A Dixie Family Christmas” at the Dixie Stampede and enjoy a four course holiday feast while being treated to a spectacular live show. A variety of animals, stuntmen and performers are adorned in holiday attire as the spirit of Christmas is brought to life during the two hour production which also features a state-of-the-art light and pyrotechnic show.
Voted “Most Outstanding Holiday Show” by The Myrtle Beach Herald, Alabama Theatre’s “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show” has something for everyone. Children will enjoy giant toy soldiers, gingerbread men and of course the appearance of Santa Claus. Adults will be mesmerized by the level of vocal talent as holiday favorites both new and old are performed throughout the show while comedian Ricky Mokel will have the entire family laughing until it hurts
With a large selection of holiday shows featuring some of the best talent in the industry Myrtle Beach is the perfect wintertime getaway for the whole family. For accommodations in the Myrtle Beach area be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East or the Peppertree Ocean Club, both conveniently located along the Grand Strand.
