The written histories of Southern food traditions are long and steeped in legend, forming our unique brand of culinary mythology.
This tenet of Southern culture is nowhere as apparent as in the seasonally-driven traditions surrounding holiday cuisine, and especially in the New Year’s Day must-have dish, Luck and Money.
The history of this dish, according to John Egerton, author of Southern Food: At Home, On the Road, In History, black-eyed peas are associated with “mystical and mythical power to bring good luck,” while collards are “green like money and will ensure you a financially prosperous new year.”
After 2020 parts I and II, I think we could all use all the help we can get for Pt. III. That’s why Chef Beth and the Carolina Flavors team has made it oh-so-easy to stock up on luck and money next week with ready-to-heat black-eyed peas, studded with ham and seasoned liberally with the traditional flavors of thyme and black pepper. And don’t get us started on her collards – if that is not a richness of winter greens, I don’t know what is! Pair this duo a pork tenderloin and your bank – and your belly – should be good to go in 2022, whatever she may bring.
Read more about this and other regional New Year’s Day traditions in this fantastic article from Serious Eats – and don’t forget to add the Luck and Money bundle to your order this week!