Happy nearly New Year’s!!!  I am simply gobsmacked that it’s nearly 2011!!!!!

I thought that I’d share a couple of ways that we southerners celebrate New Year’s with food and traditions.

We eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each month of the year and each strike of the clock — we make a wish on each grape.  (This is adapted from a Latin tradition)

Because we like it pretty — I drop them in our champagne (or sparkling cider) and we eat them after we toast.

Black-eyed Peas (no, not the musical group)

Texans, Blackeyed Peas and New Year’s are pretty much synonymous.

Blackeyed Peas are eaten in Texas (and many other southern states) on New Year’s Day because they are believed to bring prosperity for the coming year. This superstition tradition is so firmly ingrained in us Texans that even Blackeyed pea haters like my husband will eat Blackeyed Peas on New Year’s Day.

The reason for the Blackeyed Peas for you NON~Texans (Non~ Southerners) when the peas are soaked and then cooked, they swell which represents prosperity

and we eat greens (collard and cabbage.. traditionally) because they are GREEN and they resemble paper currency = wealth.

I happen to love Blackeyed Peas and sharing my favorite Southern Dishes with y’all. So, if you want to have some Texas Style Blackeyed Peas and a pro$perous 2011… get thee to the store and make sure you take this recipe with you!

Southern Style Blackeyed Peas

• 3 C dried blackeyed peas
• 1/2 lb salt pork, cut into 1″ pieces
• 2 jalapenos (you can use less), chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 5 C water for cooking
• Enough water to cover the beans, for soaking
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Soak the dried beans in enough water to cover them for at least 3 hours. ( preferably overnight)
2. Chop the jalapenos, onions and salt pork

4. When the peas are ready, drain them and place them in a large pot with your jalapenos, onions and salt pork. Add 5 Cups of water and bring to a boil.

5. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Serve with collard greens, cabbage or whatever greens represent wealth and prosperity in your area, and some yummy cornbread for soppin’ up all the sauces. NOM NOM.

There isn’t a final picture, yet.. mine are still cooking and my house smells amazing!!

Another Southern Tradition is Hoppin John — Heather has a wonderful recipe for Hoppin’ John

I’d love to hear about your New Year’s Tradition/Superstition Foods.

Do you eat Collard Greens or Cabbage for wealth and luck?

What do you HAVE to eat/do on New Year’s?