There are many different superstitions and traditions surrounding what you eat on New Year’s and how it will impact the year to come.

In Texas, it’s Black Eye Peas for luck and prosperity for the year to come.  It’s such an ingrained thing that even people, like my husband, who can’t stand Black Eye Peas, eat a bite or two… just in case.

Some believe that foods in the shape of a ring bring good luck, as in “coming full circle”, for that reason the Dutch believe that eating Doughnuts on New Year’s Day will bring good fortune.

In other places, Cabbage is traditionally eaten to ensure prosperity for the coming year because cabbage leaves are representative of paper currency.

Others believe that eating any poultry on New Year’s will do the opposite and is actually unlucky because Chickens scratch backwards when searching for food and this is thought to symbolize “scratching out a living”

Since I’ll soon be making Black Eye Peas, I am a Texas Gal after all… I thought I’d share a tried and true Texas Black Eye Pea New Year’s Recipe

• 3 C Dried Black Eyed Peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 lb salt pork, 1″ pieces
• 2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped (optional)
• 5 C water
• dash salt
• pinch pepper

1. Soak the dried peas in enough water to cover for a minimum of 3 hrs, best if overnight.
2. Drain the peas and place in a large pot with the onion and salt pork and jalapeno.
3. Add 5 C water and bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

What are your New Year’s Traditions or Superstitions?

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