New Years Recipes from Around the World

I also found these traditions for good luck and prosperity!

In Japan, eating noodles at midnight is customary at Buddhist temples - it's for good luck from what I understand.
In Cuba it's a tradition to eat 12 grapes right at midnight when the clock strikes twelve. The 12 grapes signify the last twelve months of the year. German folklore says that eating herring at the stroke of midnight will bring luck for the next year. (I have a hard time with that, as I hate herring, but hey, for all you herring lovers eat up! Eating pickled herring as the first bite of the New Year brings good luck to our Polish friends.

In the Deep South of the United States, it is believed eating black eyed peas on New Year's eve will bring luck for the coming year. And I firmly believe that! And I do love black eyed peas! Also from the deep south comes the custom of eating greens such as cabbage, collard greens, mustard greens, kale or spinach to bring the all mighty green backs your way!
Oh! Also, how could I forget! Another gem from the South! eating cornbread will bring wealth. The Southern custom of eating greens can be found in other cultures as well, although the cabbage can take many forms, such as sauerkraut or even kimchee.

In the Philippines, it is imperative to have food on the table and ready to eat at midnight in order to insure an abundance of food in the upcoming year.
Boiled Cod is a New Year's Eve is one of those "must haves" in Denmark. Olie Bollen which is a donut or perhaps it's a fritter, I am not sure is popular in Holland for New Year.
Black-eyed peas, fish, apples, and beets are eaten for luck at the Jewish new year's celebration - but that's not celebrated on January 1st.

Corn Beed and Cabbage

This is a traditional Irish recipe and a must have for any St. Patrick's Day party. I like to prepare it, because it's so filling, and hearty. It does take several hours to cook, which is okay -- you can put it on and forget about it for about 4-5 hours. When it's finished -- it's fabulous!

1 onion
3 whole cloves
4 lb. corned beef
4 parsley sprigs
8 whole black peppercorns

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