Black Eyed Peas - Southern New Year's Day Tradition

Start the New Year with a Dish of Prosperity

A staple in the Southern diet for over 300 years, black-eyed peas have long been associated with good luck. A dish of peas is a New Year's tradition in most areas of the South, thought to bring luck and prosperity for the new year. My family has black-eyed peas every new year day. 

According to Jessica Harris, author of "Welcome Table," some add a dime to the peas for an extra "boost" of luck to the recipient. Greens, thought to symbolize folding money, are often eaten eaten with the peas. 

Hoppin' John a dish made with black-eyed peas and rice, is one of the more popular ways of serving them, but many serve them in salads or simply cooked as a side dish.

We like to make traditional with greens & bacon. Another recipe we love to make it Cowboy Caviar or Oklahoma Crack. My friend Dawn posted the recipe on her blog a couple of years ago so check out the link.

Be sure to fit black eyed peas in your New Year's menu plan. Bright blessings to you in 2013!