It’s the end of another year. Hard to believe. As hard as this year was, I feel like it still went pretty quickly. I looked back on what I wrote last year, and it made me laugh. Here a small part of it. “Here we are, ringing in 2020 already. Where on earth does the time go? I don’t know why, but I have this feeling it’s going to be a big year. 2020, I mean, just the sound of it makes me feel like it means business. The best part is, I am going to be an Aunt again here in June!”

These statements were on point, but nothing I could have ever even dreamed of.

First off, and most importantly, I got my beautiful niece named Leah Perry, born on May 27th. 6 lb. 12 oz. and the most beautiful thing you ever did see. Just the sweetest little angel and Auntie’s little girl! Always just full of smiles. She sure put light into our lives during a dark time.

The part about “I have a feeling it’s going to be a big year!?” Geeze. Ya think!?

I am keeping my mouth shut about 2021. I am just going to say it is going to be so boring. Nothing exciting will happen. (There, that should keep us safe.) NOT.

All I know is 2021 is just around the corner, God’s in control, and we got this, guys! I heard if you open up all your doors and windows at midnight at the start of the new year, all the old stink of 2020 will leave, and the freshness of 2021 will enter. If each of us opens at least one window, I mean, that’s gotta help. Anything to help us bring in a new fresh year that will give us hope of things getting back to normal.

So, for the new year, whether you open up one window or twenty, go to bed at 8 p.m. (who’s judging?), ring in the new year with a few friends, or sit quietly sipping on your favorite beverage watching the ball drop, I pray this new year will be a blessing to each and every one of you. May God bring you warmth of love and light to guide your path towards a positive destination!

Pretzels with Cheese Sauce
Perfect snack to ring in the New Year!
Ingredients:
• Can of refrigerated biscuit dough
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Coarse salt
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch cayenne pepper
Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425°. Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray.

To make the pretzels: Quarter each biscuit, then roll each piece into a ball. Using a knife, carve an X into each ball. In a medium saucepan, combine water and baking soda. Bring to boil then reduce to a simmer. Add balls and cook for 30 seconds. (The dough will float to top.) Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a baking sheet, making sure the pretzels aren’t touching. (They will look like a hot mess but look glorious when they come out of the oven. Trust me.) Brush beaten egg over each pretzel, then sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Stir in milk and bring to a simmer. When milk begins to thicken, stir in cheese, whisking constantly until sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Serve with the pretzels.