Have a Lucky New Year!

So, you already know I have been completely psyched for a week about the new year.  I have 2 things that have to happen on New Year's Day.  Number 1, my house needs to be clean.  I am like this about most holidays.  (I think it has to do with the fact that it is really hard for me to relax if my house is messy.  It's a disease, I think.)  But really, who wants to start the new year with a dirty house?

Number 2,  I have to have my Hoppin' John Soup.  I love traditions and New Year's Day is no exception.  For years I would have black eyed peas on New Years Day.  But if you are southern, you know it doesn't stop with the black eyed peas.  You are supposed to have greens and stewed tomatoes too.  A few years ago, I found a fantastic recipe that covers everything.  It's from the Neeley's and it's
Hoppin John Soup.  Honey, you want to talk about puttin' some south in your mouth?  Mmm Hmm.

It has:

• Black eyed peas - Brings you luck and good health
• Greens - Represents money in the new year
• Pork - Pigs are lucky, didn't you know? (I'm not making this stuff up!)
• Tomatoes - Represents love (I had to research how that happened, apparently tomatoes used to be considered an aphrodisiac!)

Serve with bread or cornbread, which represents sustenance of life, and you are all set for the new year!

Do I think all this works?  No.  I put my faith in God, who is slightly more powerful than a black eyed pea.  Would I feel crazy if I didn't have this on New Year's Day?  You betcha,  A little black eyed peas never hurt anyone.

Happy New Year, My Friends!
K