Did you know there are old wives’ tales that say if you eat certain foods on New Year’s Day they will bring you good luck?
In Spain, the tradition is to consumer twelve grapes at midnight (one for each month of the year). And in Sweden and Norway, they hide an almond in rice pudding. Whoever finds the almond will have great fortune in the year ahead.
Cabbage is also considered a good luck vegetable because the green leaves are considered a sign of prosperity. So this New Year’s Day, why not have a pot of Mike Killebrew’s Cabbage and Sausage Soup simmering on the stove. It’s a delightful soup to warm you – body and soul – on a cold day. The combination of the cabbage and smoked sausage is very tasty, indeed.
Marcia McCance’s Sauerkraut and Pork for New Year’s Day also incorporates cabbage. “My mom used to make the best sauerkraut and pork on the planet,” reminisces Marcia. “We used to have this every New Year’s Day for our dinner and I still love it.” The meat was so tender you could cut it with a fork… it’s scrumptious. Pork is also a lucky New Year’s Day food symbolizing wealth and prosperity. You’ll be double lucky when you eat this!
Another delicious treat that’s supposed to bring you wealth (because of the gold color) is one of my favorite things, cornbread. And one great recipe is Natalie Loop’s Southern Cornbread. “Everyone I have ever made this for loves it,” shares Natalie. One bite and you’ll love it too. With a hint of heat and loads of flavor, it’s a delightful change from the traditional cornbread.
Many cultures believe anything shaped like a ring is good luck because it symbolizes the cycle of the year. Which means I can eat a bunch of doughnuts and not feel guilty!
One of my favorite’s is Amy Herald’s husbands’ Pistachio Glazed Doughnuts. “[My husband] recently went through a doughnut phase,” shares Amy. “The pistachio were by far the best of all the flavors he made!” These doughnuts have a really light, fluffy texture. And, the pistachios add great flavor and a nice little crunch. It would be great to start New Year’s Day with one of these and a hot cup of coffee.
A fun way to end your day is with Nicole B.’s Greek New Year’s Cake. “My mom makes this cake every new year,” explains Nicole. “You slice the cake from oldest to youngest and that is the piece they eat. If you find the hidden coin you will have good luck for the year.” Orange juice, anise and sesame seeds add an usual – but great – flavor to this moist, light cake. Your family will have fun finding the hidden goodie inside.
However you decide to ring in the new year, the Test Kitchen and I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy one!