Lucky Foods For The New Year

Imagine if the key to unlocking a prosperous New Year lies right on your dining table. That’s right, your January 1st meal could work wonders in setting the tone for a successful year. Read on to discover the lucky foods and mouthwatering recipes we’ve gathered for you!

In the heart of the southern United States, there’s a charming saying: “Dine humbly on New Year’s Day, feast grandly for the remaining year.”

As the calendar flips to January 1, millions will be embracing age-old traditions, setting their tables with a New Year’s Day banquet of black-eyed peas, ham, greens, and cornbread. This isn’t just a delicious feast; it’s a meal steeped in symbolism. Each dish is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead.

Greens – With their lush green hue, greens (be it collards, mustard, turnip greens or cabbage) greens represent the crisp dollar bills that could fill your wallet in the coming year.

Black-eyed peas with their round form, symbolize shiny coins, hinting at financial windfall.

Cornbread, with its golden exterior, serves as a delicious stand-in for gold, promising wealth.

Pork/Ham – As for the pork (whether ham, bacon, salt pork or fatback) it doesn’t matter whether it is used to add flavor to the Hoppin’ John or the greens, it signifies forward motion and advancement in the upcoming year.

There you have it! A feast not just for your taste buds, but for your future success. Get ready to cook your way to a prosperous New Year!

Hoppin’ John Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry black-eyed peas
• 4 thick slices bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 dash each of cayenne & black pepper
• 3 cups cooked rice

Directions:

1. Wash peas, then cover with 5 cups water.
2. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat and soak overnight.
3. The next day, rinse the beans and drain thoroughly.
4. Cook the bacon in a heavy pan until browned. Add onion and green pepper. Sauté until onion is tender.
5. Add beans, 2 cups water, and seasonings. Cover and simmer 40 to 50 minutes or until peas are tender.
6. Remove bay leaf; stir in rice.
7. Continue simmering for about 10 minutes until all liquid has been absorbed.
8. Serve with ham, cornbread and collard greens.

RELATED: Why it’s called “Hoppin’ John”

Collard Greens with Ham Hocks Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh collard greens
• 4 smoked ham hocks
• Crushed red pepper
• Hot sauce
• Salt and pepper

Directions: 

1. Cut and wash collard greens. Place them in a large pot with ham hocks and crushed red pepper. Add enough water to cover.
2. Simmer over medium heat for approximately two hours until greens are tender.
3. Remove from heat and add salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste.

Classic Cornbread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 to 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cooking oil

Directions:

1. Stir flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in bowl.
2. In separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, and oil. Add to flour mixture and stir until smooth. (Do not overbeat.)
3. Pour into greased 9 x 9 baking pan or a cast iron pan and bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.