New Year’s day hosts the most important meal of the entire year for Southerners. Deeply rooted in tradition, superstition, and hope for the future, we have definite must have dishes which even those of us who might not be as superstitious as others dare not shirk on this day.

I’ve told this story before, but it certainly bears repeating in reference to this meal. Back in the days of civil war, Union troops swept through the south, confiscating crops and livestock to use as provisions for their troops. Southerners who weren’t off fighting were left with precious little, save for peas and greens. You see, Union soldiers considered “field peas” and greens to be fit only for animal fodder. These dishes became cherished and appreciated as what saved many a family from starvation during those times and the tradition of celebrating these dishes on the new year was born.

There are three things every southerner must eat on New Years day, Black eyed peas, greens, and hog jowl or fatback.Black Eyed peas are said to bring luck in the coming year, with many believing that you must eat at least 365 of them. We never had a number, but the more you ate, the more luck you were supposed to have so Mama always makes plenty!

Hog Jowl is very tough and extremely salty, it looks just like a thick slice of bacon but is more difficult to chew. As one of the cheapest cuts of meat, it rose rapidly in popularity during the depression era of the South. Eating this is said to ensure good health in the coming year and I must say, it is delicious. (Ham is a good substitute).

Greens can be either turnip, collard, or a mix of greens or a “mess” as we call them. They are said to bring wealth in the new year and as with black eyed peas, the amount of wealth you have is directly proportionate to how much of them you eat! (Cabbage works just as well).

Black Eyed Peas

• Dried black eyed peas
• 1/2 T of salt
• 2 T vegetable oil
• 1 T sugar
• 1 T black pepper
Ham hock, piece of country ham, or ham bone with some meat still on it.

Sort beans and soak overnight. Drain off soaking water and pour into pot, covering with water and leaving enough extra to prevent peas from cooking down. Add all other ingredients and cook for two to three hours, or until tender. Remove ham from pot and shred. Drain off peas and stir ham in. Serve hot. These are find if made the day before and reheated for your meal!

Hoppin John

Black Eyed peas, fully cooked (the above recipe, with 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes added to the cooking water)
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 Tbs margarine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt • Hot sauce

Combine broth and seasonings, cook rice in this until tender. In a saute pan, saute onion in 2 Tablespoons margarine until tender. Place rice, peas, and onion in large bowl. Stir to combine. Add 2 T hot sauce, stir again.