It is also very important what you eat on the first
day of the New Year. Greens and Peas,
along with some kind of pork are key. Why?
The greens represent money, you will have good income all year, peas are
for good luck in the coming year (some say they are to insure one has coins)
and pork is for good fortune.
Traditional menu Hog jowls, Chittlerns (part of the
hog) collard greens, black eyed peas, corn bread, candied yams, fried chicken,
baked ham, sliced onions and tomatoes.
For luck and money, here are my peas and greens
(meat free).
1lbs
dried black-eyed peas socked over night
Half
stick of butter or margarine or 2 oz olive oil
1
large onion, diced medium
1
large shallot, chopped
3
to 4 cups of water
1/4 green bell pepper sliced
Salt
and pepper to taste
Making
the flavor: In a large skillet over medium heat, put butter, onion and
shallots. When butter melts, increase heat and add the peas. Cover and cook for
about 8 minutes.
After
cooking transfer to a stock pot cover with water bring to boil. Add green pepper, salt and pepper. Lower and simmer about 50 to 60 minutes or
until peas are soft.
Tip
before serving take ½ cup of peas and mash them up well. Stir back into pot, WOW!
2
bunches of collards, stemmed washed and torn into small pieces.
2
to 3 oz extra virgin olive oil
2
cloves garlic, half sweet pepper red green or yellow
2
to 3 cups water
Salt
and pepper to taste
Every
thing into large pot bring to boil.
Lower to simmer and cook for an hour.
Check seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. If greens are not tender, cook longer.
As
a Christian, I don’t believe in superstitions.
However, as a black man, I honor my ancestors and my heritage by
continuing these traditions each New Year.
Again,
Happy New Year!
Peace
Out