Dear Culinary Vixen,
I'm planning a party on New Year's Day. I know there are certain foods that are good luck if you eat them in the New Year. I just don't know what they are. Can you help me find some ideas and recipes?
Thanks,
Michelle
Mt. Vernon VA
Dear Michelle,
There are quite a few cultures which consider certain foods good luck or fortuitous in the New Year. Here are a few links and ideas to get you started on a fabulous menu to ring in the New Year!
The TOPICS website has a great overview of New Year's customs from around the world. This may give you some good theme ideas for the party.
The Dutch believe that eating donuts will bring good luck. The ring shaped food symbolizes coming full circle. If your friends are a casual bunch, donuts and coffee may be just the trick to fix those post party blues.
In the Southern U.S. black-eyed peas and greens are the choice for many. The black-eyed peas represent copper coins and the greens represent dollar bills. In some Southern states turnip greens are used, others prefer cabbage. Here's an article from Athens, Georgia to give you more information and a few recipes for these Southern specialties.
The Japanese eat long noodles hoping they will achieve long life. A hot noodle soup is a soothing way to start the day. By creating a buffet for all the extra ingredients (cooked meats, vegetables, fried tofu, spices, etc) each person can create their own bowl of luck. The Japanese also take the time to make rice patties from pounded glutinous rice. If you have the energy and equipment, maybe this is the food project for you!
Many cultures use a New Year celebration to eat foods that are special and not eaten every day. It's a time for celebration and reflection. This is one of the reasons people eat caviar and drink Champagne to celebrate. In Western society, these foods symbolize prosperity and the finer things in life. A champagne brunch would certainly be a good choice for a New Year's Day event. Adding a few decadent ingredients to any New Year's fest cured salmon, a country ham or homemade Pecan Sticky Buns will make it an event to remember all year!
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