I have to admit...I like the idea of getting good luck, simply from making a meal. From what I've heard, black eyed peas and greens, on New Year's Day, is the ticket to having a good year. Well, that's just easy. I'll do it!
Greens are said to look like money so they'll allegedly bring you prosperity. An easy recipe:
Thoroughly wash your favorite greens (we are doing collard greens). Cut them into bite sized pieces. Put them in a pot with an inch of water. Add ham (pork is another lucky food-apparently pigs symbolize progress). I use Honeybaked ham left over from Christmas. Some people prefer country ham pieces. Add about 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. (Omit the salt if you are using Country ham. It adds plenty). Bring the greens to a boil. Then turn the heat down to low and let them simmer until tender. Serve with hot sauce to spice them up!
Black Eyed Peas are a popular good luck food for two reasons. One is they are said to look like coins. Ummmm..... okay... that's stretching it a bit. The second reason traces back to the legend that during the Civil War, the town of Vicksburg, Mississippi, ran out of food while under attack. The residents fortunately discovered black-eyed peas and the legume was thereafter considered lucky. We eat Black Eyed Peas in the form of "Hoppin' John". Here's how I make it:
1 can black eyed peas
1 onion
2 stalks of celery chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 Tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped ham (I use Honeybaked ham)
Saute celery, green pepper, and onion in butter. When vegies are tender, pour in can of black eyed peas and chopped ham. Simmer for approx. 15 mins. to blend flavors. Serve with your favorite rice.
Apparently, donuts are lucky too. Hmmm.... that one's tricky. How can I eat donuts and be on the path to healthiness? Good thing John prefers cornbread!
Read More http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/newyearsday/luckyfoods#ixzz19f4yxeih
Happy New Year and Best Luck to you all!
