New Year's Eve and Day

Rick and I had a very mellow New Year's Eve.  We bought a pound of large shrimp and 4 lobster tails at Jungle Jim's International Market.  This place is so HUGE that it's almost intimidating.  One can spend hours poking around this place.....

Discover a World of Food and More!

Jungle Jim’s International Market is more than a grocery store, it’s a destination! With more than 200,000 square feet of shopping space in each of our stores, there are over 150,000 products from which to choose.

In addition to all the grocery items, you’ll find store tours, food demonstrations and lots of fun and attractions for the whole family.

Our stores also offer more gift shops, boutiques, restaurants and conveniences than any other mega store in the region. Stop in for an hour or make a day of it. However you do it, shopping at Jungle Jim’s 

The 2 of us just sat in front of the television, sipping and nibbling.  Very enjoyable.

The BIG FUN started on New Year's Day.  Sadly, Tony had to work, so missed the fun.  He's an executive chef at BRAVO'S and works long hours.

Aunt Nan had her annual "Pig Tail Party" to get things rolling.  Baked until super crispy.... yummy.  Like meaty cracklins.  (probably something that you have to grow up with.... very German)  After about 4 pounds of tails, we moved on to dinner.

Center cut pork loin roast, Country pork ribs, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, Baked Apples, Limas and an Angel hair pasta with pork drippings.....decadent.  I had a Filipino client that turned me onto this.

We had a great day!

Aunt Nan's "Pig Tail Party" (New Years Day)

Firstly, let me tell you about pig tails.  I grew up on 'em.  Very German.  As hideous as they sound, they're delicious if they're baked to a crispy crunch!  If you enjoy cracklin's or pork rinds, picture them with meat attached.

Two years prior to this batch of pictures, the 4 kids wanted NOTHING to do with them.

Finally, Jen's daughter Lauren, saw Ric and I enjoying them, and was the first to indulge.  Within minutes, the other 3 were racing into the kitchen to eat 'em!  I figure that my maw was smiling down from heaven!

I picked up 7 pounds of them this year.  They went quick (with a little bit of help from their Grandad and I)  This year, the "Pig Tail Queen" was Jill's Brooke.  The kid lost a mouth full of baby teeth, but still managed to proclaim, "Look Aunt Nan!  I picked it clean!".  She was one determined little girl.  (pictured)  Man, she put them away this year!

Also cooked a center cut pork loin, country ribs (I think that maw always cooked spare ribs, but we like the meatier country style), sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, lima beans, baked apples, and finally another "hit".......  I had gone to a client's "Filipino/American" Christmas party years ago.  They had a fabulous angel hair pasta dish.  When I inquired about the ingredients, she said, "PORK DRIPPINGS with a little bit of salt".  (I cook about half of the pork with kraut, and the other half without for the pasta).