Blackeyed Peas for Luck and a Happy New Year to All
For as long as I can remember, eating blackeyed peas on New Year's Day has been a requisite event. Today will be no different.
I have my peas seasoned with bacon and will make my own version of Hoppin' John. I was introduced to Hoppin' John in South Carolina prepared in the traditional way, over an open fire in a black pot. Not sure what the grit was, but I'm thankful for canned peas and instant rice. Mom is preparing hers with smoked hog jowl. I forgot cornbread mix, so I'll do some frozen hushpuppies instead, and I believe I have a can of turnip greens that I'll fix and top with pepper sauce (not Tabasco, but peppers steeped in vinegar, the sauce being the decanted, flavored vinegar). BTW, besides being a tradition, I like blackeyed peas; I remember them fresh from my grandparents' garden with greens and cornbread.
Whatever your tradition, I hope we all have a good 2008. Happy New Year and peace to all.
Thanks for your menu! It's fascinating to see how holidays are celebrated. How people make a day different from other days.
I remember a young black man from NYCity... someone in an upstate college, who had hopes of going back to his "community" one day (and I hope he did!), who told me about his mother's "sweet potato" pie on Thanksgiving or Christmas.
The things you remember. And how one tiny thing leads to a memory!
Peace and Happy New Year to all!
January 1, 2008 10:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yum!! I remember Granny's sweet potato pie. I've never cared for pumpkin pie and have gotten fooled a couple of times, but you can't beat a good sweet potato pie. We often have more in common than we know :-) Namaste.
Glenn
January 1, 2008 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fergie is my favorite Blackeyed Pea:)
January 1, 2008 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
From the land of the ancient Mayan astronomers, stellar wishes for 2008, peeps. Remember, the world is our playpen and mi penthouse es tu penthouse.
Translation:
The only thing missing from my perfect vacation (other than a mouse on this bloody tv computer) is you, fellow blogmates.
Happy New Year! Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Love,
Tish
xo
P.S. Here, (the Mayans were known as the Greeks of the Americas), we eat grapes for luck at midnight.You get twelve grapes, and you make a wish on each grape (luna) before you eat it. You get twelve deseos (desires) all together for your new year. This is so thrilling! :D
January 1, 2008 11:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
The custom of the grapes, the 12 grapes at midnight, comes from Spain!
Happy New Year!
January 3, 2008 2:42 AM | Reply | Permalink