Country collards and black eyed peas

INGREDIENTS: Country Collards
24 large Fresh collard greens leaves
5 to 7 Bacon slices
Salt and Pepper
Tony's seasoning
Chicken broth

STEPS:
Gather greens and wash thoroughly.  Cook the bacon, add cut greens and a tiny bit of broth.  Cover and let steam. Stir occasionally.  Test for tenderness.

INGREDIENTS: Black eyed peas
1 lb of Dried black eye peas
1 medium Ham bone
1 large Onion, diced
4 tbl Lawry's seasoning

STEPS:
Soak the dried peas over night in seasoning.  Add broth or water and onion, bring to a boil.  Turn down to low and simmer for an hour or until peas are tender.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 to 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:  Beginner

ABOUT THE SPECIAL EVENT:
A "Mobile in Lights, Night to Remember," a New Year's Eve party is hosted by McKemie Place in conjuction with the City of Mobile.  It will come alive in the Mobile Convention Center's Cityscape Gallery on Monday, December 31, 2012. The event starts at 9:30 p.m. and will end at 12:30 a.m.

The gala evening offers a fabulous menu, live entertainment including the Mobile Big Band Society, cash bar, and beautiful inside and outside view of the Moon Pie Drop with complementary champagne at midnight, followed by the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show on the river and downtown.

Tickets are $50 each or $500 will buy a table for 10.  McKemie Place is a non-profit agency, and $25 of each ticket is tax deductable.  Sponsorships are fully tax deductible.  All profits go directly to McKemie Place. Dress is semi-formal.

Tickets can be purchased thru PayPal at www.mckemieplace.org .

ABOUT McKEMIE PLACE:
McKemie Place is the only homeless shelter in Mobile, Baldwin and Washington counties.  In 5 years, more than 1,600 women have been safe and off the streets away from the threats of violence. The shelter served 487 women in 2011. Though average occupancy is 50, capacity of 68 women is reached many nights. For every $100 contribution, you will provide 5 nights for a woman to be off the street, receive a hot supper, warm shower, and have a warm bed to sleep in, as well as all the other services they need to survive and to begin to go on in life.

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Elaine Sessions is a local Realtor with Roberts Brothers.  She is a retired school teacher.  She taught math for 27 years in the public school system.  She and her husband Al have been married for 42 years.  The couple have donated the use of their land in Grand Bay for growing fresh vegetables for needy seniors through “A Servants Heart.”  The greens used today are from that garden in Grand Bay.