When I think about the fact that there’s only one more day left in 2014, I can’t help but wonder where the year has gone. It seems like only a few weeks since we were trudging through thigh-deep snow and praying for an early spring. I wasn’t one of those people. Some people are affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) in the winter. I’m affected by it – or something very similar to it – in hot, humid weather.
But spring did come, followed by the dreaded summer season, and finally autumn (which is always too brief). Now winter is here again and in about thirty-two hours, we’ll be ushering 2015 in.
Now it’s time for the customary resolutions, though I’ve started setting goals instead. Making New Year’s resolutions seems to set me up for failure right out of the gate, so I don’t do that anymore. Goals somehow seem more attainable.
It’s also time – and has been for about a month now – for my son to start asking (usually at least once a day), “Are we having bean dip for New Year’s Eve?”
We’ve been having bean dip every New Year’s Eve for as long as I can remember. It’s a tradition I believe started with my mother, and one I adopted when the kids were little.
There’s a little more to it than beans, so I thought I’d share the recipe with you today – in case it sounds good enough to start a new tradition with your family.
It looks sort of like this (only better). Photo credit: Morguefile.com
Bean Dip
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 large can refried beans
12-16 ounces salsa (we use Chi-Chi’s hot salsa)
Shredded cheddar cheese (to taste – we use lots)
Tortilla chips (2 bags because we usually have leftovers)
Brown ground beef, drain. Add beans and salsa and stir to mix well. Add half the cheese you’re going to use and mix well. If you used an oven-safe pan, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. If needed, pour mixture in baking pan, smooth out, and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly and cheese begins to turn golden. This takes maybe 20 minutes or so. I’ve never really timed it because my son keeps checking the oven to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year!
That bean dip sounds delicious. Happy New Year, Kristy.
Happy Belated New Year, Emma! I’m sorry this is so late. Thanks to two new puppies seriously interrupting my sleep schedule, I’ve been a zombie for about two weeks now. 🙂
And the bean dip IS delicious. At least when you only have it once or twice a year. When you have it as often as my son wants it, it gets old in a hurry. 🙂
The year has once again flown by. Wishing you and yours a Very Happy New Year filled with an abundance of love, good health and happiness…..hugs
And it seems like they fly by faster every year, Kathy! Happy New Year – with the same love, health, and happiness you just wished for me. Hugs. 🙂
It’s hard to believe this year is almost come to a close, it’s gone by so fast! Happy New Year to you and yours. Wishing you good times, good health, and good memories in 2015.
It is, Denise! Yet another year when I wonder where the time has gone. But Happy New Year to you and your family too. And good times, good health, and good memories to all of us! 🙂
Wishing you all the best in the new year, Kristy!
I wish the same to you, Dale. 🙂