Do you have any special traditions for New Years Day? In our house there are a couple of traditions and one involves football and the other food! It used to be the best bowl games were played on New Years Day. Now the national championship game takes place several days after January 1st. But, that hasn't stopped the tradition in our house where New Years Day is known for football football, football. And to go along with that tradition there is the food......... Food that southern's have eaten for decades to bring in the new year.
New Years Day food in our home is eaten for good luck and prosperity! Having southern parents and a southern husband I have learned a lot about the types of foods they ate during their childhoods. Born and raised in Michigan, I only had a little indoctrination into the southern culture. I only was introduced to these types of foods on holidays and special occasions. When I met Charlie, I quickly learned that he enjoyed eating southern food all year long & that I better get with the program and learn how to prepare some of these dishes.
So, as we brought in the New Year yesterday we prepared our feast with good luck and prosperity in mind. A must have was the black-eyed peas and rice (hoppin johns) which is eaten for prosperity( $$$$$). Next are the collard greens which are suppose to bring good luck. And for the other important mainstays for this meal they included: fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, scalloped corn, & corn bread.
Now for those of you who have never eaten traditional southern fare-you definitely have to give it a try! I have to say that it was all quite yummy.........and more people are expanding their palette to include "down home cooking."
Comments