As any true Southerner knows beginning the New Year with the traditional "good luck" foods is a must. The menu includes black-eyed peas seasoned with a generous portion of hog jowl, greens (I prefer turnips), crackling cornbread, and deviled eggs for good measure. The choice of meat is personal... sometimes ham, pork chops, pork loin roast... even fried chicken, so whatever you choose will be a splendid addition to the menu.
The black-eyed pea earned its spot on the New Year's dinner table as a symbol of good luck after the War Between the States. Luckily, General Sherman and his troops regarded peas and field corn only fit for the animals to eat and did not take or destroy these. Peas symbolize prosperity. The greens represent paper money and the cornbread gold.
Whether you are having traditional Southern fare on your New Year's dinner table or following your own family's tradition, enjoy and be blessed throughout 2012!
