Easy to spend New Year’s Eve in the outdoors
It’s hard to believe that only weeks separate us from that annual event, when we bid farewell to the past 365 days and welcome a new year. New Year’s Eve is a festive event to some, while others are in a deep sleep long before the ball drops.
There was a time when I obviously felt far more festive than I do at present. In fact,
I’ve spent the past several New Years Eves sprawled out in my recliner and watching television, if I hadn’t already dozed off into a deep sleep.
As for New Year’s Day, they have remained somewhat eventful throughout the years. There have been times when I have kicked the year off with a fishing trip. And I can recall occasions when I chose to embark upon a lengthy hike.
Of course, there were times when I was most interested in gathering around the television and watching college football with friends. But I think the most memorable event consisted of meeting with a large group of friends and family and cooking a huge meal in the midst of the outdoors.
It was a meal unsurpassed that was prepared with open fires and dutch ovens. We’re talking smoked meats, fried fish, casseroles, grilled vegetables and desserts galore. We fed more than 30 people that day. And I think it would be safe to say that nobody went home hungry.
As the beginning of 2024 nears, I am contemplating what we might do to commemorate 2023 and to kick off the upcoming year. Although remaining awake might be an issue, I am strongly considering actually straying from home on the eve of the new year.
However, one can rest assured that we would be far from the masses. Of course, my wife would have to agree as well. But if she is game, I was thinking about setting up our tent and spending the final night of 2023 somewhere in the seclusion of the outdoors and under a starry sky.
But we’re not going to stop there. In fact, we’ve already begun making plans for the following day. If all goes as hoped for, we’ll once again gather to break bread in the midst of the outdoors with friends and family.
But this time the menu will be noticeably different from the aforementioned in the sense that we’ll not be limited to open fires and dutch ovens. Of course, I’ll still likely prepare a few pans of bread and desserts in my dutch ovens, as might a few others. But folks will also have the option of preparing their dishes in the comfort of their own homes.
And what will be the prerequisite of attending this year’s shindig? The only requirement will be to bring a pot of homemade soup. And for those who are not adept at cooking, I’m sure that ice, drinks, paper plates, napkins, cutlery or crackers will suffice.
Sandy has already begun trying out and tweaking a few recipes. And judging from what I have tasted, this could pan out to be an event that is not soon forgotten.
She began with a steaming pot of zuppa toscana, and to say it was delicious would prove an understatement. In fact, I ate it for breakfast, lunch and supper until it was completely gone.
She then focused on a broccoli and cheese soup that was also pleasing to the palette. And a few days later, I had the opportunity to try her rendition of bean soup.
I have yet to try my hand at any dishes, but I did recently purchase all of the ingredients for a potato soup. Deer stew is also a strong possibility, and I’m also considering a steaming pot of squirrel and dumplings.
Other friends have mentioned chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, clam chowder and several others. I am truly anticipating our New Year’s Day festivities, as the menu promises to prove incredible. And what better of a way to kick off the new year than with good friends and good food in the midst of the wonderful outdoors.