HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thank heavens 2020 is in the rearview mirror…
In certain cultures, it is traditional to eat certain foods for good luck.
Which items would you consider putting on your menu in 2021?
Here are a few suggestions to kick off a lucky year:
1. Black-Eyed Peas – One theory comes from the Civil War era, when Union soldiers raided the Confederate army’s food supply, leaving behind only this bean.
2. Pork - This tradition has to do with the way pigs behave. The pig buries his snout in the dirt and pushes it forward the direction we want to go in the New Year. This tradition hails from Germany and Europe.
3. Cabbage - Sauerkraut, is thought to bring good luck because of the late harvest and the long fermentation time means that sauerkraut is ready around New Years.
4. Collard Greens – Why do people eat greens on New Year’s? Greens symbolize money and prosperity. In addition, southerners would hang greens by the door to ward off spirits.
5. Lentils – The round lentil looks like a coin and the Italians served them as a sign of prosperity.
6. Fruit - The Filipino’s celebrate with 12 different round fruits, they represent the 12 months of the New Year.
7. Fish – Scandinavians consider Herring an essential dish for the prosperity of the country. Eating Herring was a way to hope for a good catch.
8. Noodles – Asian countries serve noodles New Year’s Day. The length of the noodle represents longevity.
No matter what your tradition! I hope you have a prosperous and rewarding 2021!!
- Chef Jeff White
