Happy New Year, John!

At last, we’ve come to the end of 2021! As we gather to celebrate the new year, my thoughts turn to the work ahead for Oklahoma Democrats and all of the exciting opportunities we have for our Party and our state.

We are all set to continue to march ahead with our plans to grow our representation from the school board to the US Senate. I feel certain that 2022 will be an exciting year that will make us all proud to be Dems.

You know the saying, Peas for Prosperity, Greens for Dollars and Cornbread for Gold. With this in mind, I am ready to start preparing my meal for New Year’s Day. I plan to have it all, black eyed peas, greens AND cornbread. It’s a tradition I’ve always enjoyed.

The Oklahoma Democratic Party could use a little prosperity, a little money and some campaign gold. I hope you will join with me in supporting our Party and the critical work ahead. Together, we really will make a difference.

I look forward to engaging with you early and often in the New Year. Thank you for your kind, generous support. And please accept my very best wishes for a healthy, happy 2022 for you and your family.

Alicia Andrews

Chair, Oklahoma Democratic Party

Ring in the New Year with a Contribution to ODP!

PS: To make it easy, I'm including my favorite recipe for greens:

Alicia’s Collard Greens

2-3 bunches fresh collard greens

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

1 Cup coarsely chopped onions

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

½ Teaspoon red pepper flakes

4-5 Cups chicken broth (can replace 1 cup with water if desired)

1 fully-cooked smoked turkey leg or 2 wings or 2 ham hocks (about 13 oz)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt & plenty black pepper, to season

Instructions

Prep The Collard Greens

Prepare the collard greens bath by filling your kitchen sink with cool water and adding 1 Cup of vinegar and ½ Cup salt.
Remove the collard greens from the steams by folding them in half lengthwise and pulling the leaf away from the stem. Discard the stems.
Place the collard greens into the prepared water bath and swish them around several times, scrubbing them to help loosen up any dirt.
Let the collard greens soak for 15-20 minutes, giving them a scrub midway. Drain the water and refill with plain water and allow the greens to soak again if needed. Repeat as many times as needed until the water is free from any dirt or grit. After the final soak, drain the water. Next, rinse and scrub each leaf front and back with cool water to ensure they are squeaky clean.
Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

Cook The Greens

In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onions and saute until tender.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until garlic is fragrant.
Pour in the broth and add the turkey leg. Bring to a boil.
Add collard greens and reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover and cook collard for 1 hour (or longer depending on your desired tenderness), stirring regularly.
Once done, stir and then taste the broth and the greens. (add a little water if the broth is too bold for your liking)
Stir in vinegar and smoked salt, and black pepper if desired.
Serve collard greens with pieces of the smoked meat and hot sauce if desired.