Depending on when you’re reading this, you’re likely about to raise a glass (or many) and sing Auld Lang Syne at midnight. While Guy Lombardo obviously didn’t write this 18th century ballad, or even invent the tradition of playing it to celebrate the new year, he turned it from “A tradition” into “THE tradition.” (It could be worse — in Sweden, people celebrate Christmas by watching Donald Duck cartoons.)
Of course, another New Year’s tradition is partying with friends and loved ones, ringing in the new year and saying goodbye to the old one. (I don’t know about you, but I am thrilled to say goodbye to 2021.)
And while I don’t intend on having a hangover on January 1, it’s always good to be prepared. A number of foods are said to help relieve the symptoms of a hangover - eggs, tomatoes, fat and fiery foods among them. So have electrolytes handy, as well as these ingredients. This is one serving. Increase as necessary, depending on how many guests slept on the couch.
INGREDIENTS
2 eggs
1 tablespoon butter
2-3 tablespoons crushed pork rinds
For the topping
1/2 lime
1 small jalapeno
1 tomato
1 small shallot
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
2-4 cloves minced garlic (I like a lot)
salt and pepper
hot sauce (optional)
METHOD
Make the topping first. Finely chop the pepper, shallot and tomato. I typically remove the seeds and membrane from the pepper, but if you like it hot, leave them in.
Add the garlic and cilantro.
Squeeze lime juice on top and mix, tasting as you go. Add salt & pepper to your liking.
Set aside.
Gently hard boil the eggs and immediately immerse them in cold water.
Peel the eggs, cut them in half lengthwise, and set aside.
In a small frying pan, heat the butter on medium high heat.
Meanwhile, roll the egg halves in the crushed pork rinds.
When the butter is melted, add each egg to the pan and fry for about a minute on both sides.
Plate the egg halves and add the topping. Hot sauce adds more fire, if you wish.
Because Auld Lang Syne is in old Scottish, almost nobody understands the song. In 1711, James Watson did his best to translate:
Should Old Acquaintance be forgot,
and never thought upon;
The flames of Love extinguished,
and fully past and gone:
Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold,
that loving Breast of thine;
That thou canst never once reflect
On old long syne?
In the end, Meg Ryan (When Harry Met Sally) was right - it’s about old friends. I wish all my friends a happy and prosperous new year, and success with this remedy. And if that doesn’t work, there’s alway a hair of the dog.