New Years Day Feast

New Years Day a great time to have this traditional Southern dinner. The story goes that along with this legend is old

According to legendary Southern food researcher John Egerton's Southern Food: At Home, On the Road, In History, black-eyed peas are associated with a "mystical and mythical power to bring good luck." As for collard greens, they're green like money and will ensure you a financially prosperous new year.

We have followed this tradition for as long as I can remember and frankly it seems to be working!

NYD Shopping List

We have these not just on NYD but all during the year. Face it, some people do not like them. For me mom used to cook them on the stove for hours. Horrible stinging odor filled the house! Then it was 2005 when I learned to like greens. We now usually mix collards, turnip greens, onions and some seasoning meat to create the great flavors.

Cooking in an Insta-Pot really simplifies this dish. No more stinking up the house.

I use whatever I can find but these could be black eyed peas or purple hull pink-eye. Canned will suffice but often you can find these fresh and shelled at local produce stores. These are the best and freeze well in vacuum storage bags. Just waiting for that special NYD feast. Add some bacon or hog jowl or both! Salt and pepper.

A cherished recipe from one of my best friends, Patte. This can go with so many dishes but is essential to pull together ll the flavors of greens and peas. So simple to make, only four ingredients and a cast iron skillet. Many thanks for sharing this recipe!