Good Luck Guaranteed

I may have been born and raised in New England but I've been a Southerner my entire married life, and Southerners eat black-eyed peas for luck on New Year's Day. The most traditional way to serve black-eyed peas for the new year is to make Hoppin' John, which combines the peas with rice and adds bacon, pork or other protein.
Since these beans are rather bland, I have paired them with diced tomatoes flavored with Jalapeno peppers. I served them with sliced ham and macaroni and cheese for a hearty workingman's meal. Now once I work off the calories, I'll be ready for my quota of good luck!

[Kerri]

I had black eyed peas and collared greens for New Years too!

[Melissa Pike]

It's so fun to hear about everyone's New Year's traditions. Dinner sounds yummy, and I certainly hope the beans serve their intended purpose and bring you lots of luck in the new year!

[Jodie Atkinson]

I agree with Melissa, it is fun learning about all these traditions, not just new years, but all throughout the year. Until now, the only tradition I'd heard of for new years was the making of resolutions. I think I like eating for luck better lol

[Ann Carey]

NIce way to capture this tradition. We ate soup but then I have 2 children that just had their wisdom teeth extracted on Wednesday.

[Ellen E]

sounds like a delicious meal! I hope it brings you loads of good luck!

[Allison Williams]

@annc Ouch! Do you get a discount ; maybe the second one half price??

[Karen Hurd (hwy61)]

You are too funny! We had leftover meatloaf today...I have never tried this...I have never eaten anything special on January 1st...ever...maybe that has been my problem!!!!!

[Allison Williams]

@hwy61 Hey don't knock it til you try it!

[Rick Schies]

I had them when we lived in Virginia. Here in Lancaster County we have Pork and Kraut, which I made today, so I am set :)

[Sue Stephenson (Swazzette)]

Ha! Never heard about this tradition, but like Rick, our family used to eat Sauerkraut on NY's (didn't get any this year, though).

Congrats on completing 2010 and thanks so much for your kind comments over the last year on my pics. It really has been a wonderful journey and I do hope to drop in now and again and see what you've been up to. Happy New Year to you and yours!

[Della]

your picture reminded me that we FORGOT to eat our black eyed peas today!! Maybe they will still bring us luck if we eat them tomorrow??? :)

[Suelbiz]

I didn't grow up with any special food traditions for New Year's Day. It's interesting to hear about yours though. Best of luck!

[cglist]

We had saurkraut, collard greens, AND black-eyed peas!
Happy New Year!

[Lois P]

What a tradition! Sounds like great food to me! :)
Good shot!

[bruni]

Beans are always great especially when you have to stay away from the red meat. for our meal.. and we had guest as well...mind you just family and a dear girl friend of mine for dinner yesterday.. Hans made chicken breast baked in the over with mushroom soup and instead of the milk he added to the can f soup he used Amaretto with a little bit and I say a little bit of water..it was superb. served with mash potatoes, red cabbage (my specialty), peas with herbs and spices and a touch of homemaded mayonnaise, a bowl of salat greens and cheese cake for desert.

[artha ortiz]

Good luck to you!

[wendy chapman]

Great way to begin the year. I love this type of food, esp. in the cold winter. Maybe calories and good luck are a team!

[Kay Taylor]

I had a grilled cheese sandwich for my meal...lol. I ususally eat blackeye peas for New Year's but I was too lazy to make it to the store. Happy New Year Allison! Thanks for all the comments on the boys! I may start again after I take a break.

[Suzie Townsend]

We had our peas too! I love Black Eyed Peas - fresh, frozen or from a can. A little piece of fat makes it even better - I used just one slice of bacon. There was enough that I was eating it again tonight so I think I will have great prosperity! Happy New Year!

[Kathleen Setier]

I forgot to pick up the black-eyed peas. We've always had them with stewed tomatoes on New Years - for good luck. Instead, mom came over and I served turkey burgers. Hope I didn't play with karma on that one!

[Kathleen Setier]

I can't remember who said they live in Lakeside, was it you? If so, they're starting up a Winter Farmer's Market - Jan. 8th will be the first one 9:00 - noon. I'll be checking it out, the following weekend, I will not be able to go.