Silver Dollar Pawn Shop - Cajun Pawn Stars

We stopped by the Silver Dollar Pawn and Jewelry Center this afternoon; it's about two miles from our home. We had a good chat with Jimmie DeRamus; he's quite a guy. We'll be back.

If you aren't among the millions who have seen Cajun Pawn Stars on the History Channel, you need to watch it.

Jimmie DeRamus

Hoppin' John - New Years 2012

We celebrated the new year with dear friends, enjoying great food and good fellowship.  As part of our new year's tradition, I made my annual pot of hoppin' john.

I was introduced to hoppin'john in 1968 when I was in the Navy; I had the duty on New Years day along with Harvadeen Querry who grew up in Kentucky or Tennessee.  His wife brought a pot of hoppin' john on board for us.  So that became a tradition with our family, and I have been the cook.

I've always used a recipe from the Dean & Deluca Cookbook, but this year I borrowed one from Emeril Lagasse, with minor variations.  From start to finish, here is the process: 

(Select any image to enlarge)