How Do You Serve Your Black Eyed Peas?

 If you're from the South, chances are your New Year Dinner will include Black Eyed Peas, long held to bring good luck and prosperity.

Black-Eyed Peas
Start the New Year with a dish of good luck!

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. 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.

Whether you're serving a full meal, appetizers, or gathering around the football game, one of these recipes is sure to fit into your New Year's menu plan.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-eyed_pea#Lucky_New_Year_food





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