Health Wealth and Happiness!

Lovelies, this year as the clock struck midnight I was snuggled in tightly next to my one and only as we watched the party unfold in Times Square. As one who typically enjoys a night out on the town to ring in the arrival of a new year, I have to admit the peacefulness of this year’s activities definitely alleviated the worry of inebriated drivers, etc. We did however, in the evening hours of New Year’s Eve manage to snag a cabbage from the nearest Whole Foods and the last batch of black-eyed peas in existence.

My parents are big on tradition and we always had cabbage and black-eyed peas on the table and a penny in the mailbox to ring in the new year. It’s said the foods bring health, wealth and happiness in the new year, and what can I say, I’m a sucker for traditions! Since the peas were already prepared, I flexed my cooking muscles to create some tasty cabbage! I wanted it to be cooked but maintain a crunch. Cabbage has a natural buttery taste, so there’s no need to add any butter to the pan which can lead to wilty, soggy cabbage. It only takes 5 min’s to cook this delectable dish, so start by getting out all of your essentials.

• Cut the cabbage in half and core, maintaining long slices making it easier to cook in the pan.
• Pour olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan and crank the heat to high.
• Place the cut slices of cabbage in  pan when oil is nice and hott! (You can put the whole head in at once)
• Season to taste. (I sprinkled a healthy amount of both sea salt and black pepper and a handful of corriander as well)
• Cook about 2 min’s or until the edges start to brown.
• Turn the cabbage and cook for an additional 2-3 min’s.
• Sprinkle with balsamic vinegar to taste and remove from heat.

Since the pan is extra hott, plate the cabbage immediately to prevent it from overcooking.

Voila! Amazing cabbage in a flash!!

Cheers to 2012! ~xoxo