Now that we have all been eating non-stop since Thanksgiving and are pretty much over the whole holiday treat scene, let’s take a break from cooking this week. I’m having a hard time just heating up a can of soup.

My husband Bob asked if we were having blackeyed peas for New Year’s because 2009 has been a little rough for us and any extra luck coming our way is always welcome. We started wondering what people eat on New Year’s in other parts of the world. Google to the rescue!

In the Southern United States, the tradition is black-eyed peas. This started back during the Civil War when the town of Vicksburg, Miss., ran out of food while under attack. The residents discovered a supply of black-eyed peas and the peas were forever after considered lucky. (Pretty sure Beano had not been invented back in the 1860s)

The custom of eating pork on New Year’s is based on the belief that pigs symbolize progress. The animal pushes forward, rooting itself in the ground before moving. While pork is consumed worldwide, when consumed in Italy and the United States, thanks to its rich fat content, it signifies wealth and prosperity. (No doubt, this is where the term “pigging out” originated.)

Cooked greens, including cabbage, collards, kale and chard are consumed in different countries for the simple reason that their green leaves resemble folded money and are symbolic of economic fortune. In the United States, collards are the greens of choice. One of the more unique greens dishes is prepared by the Danish who eat kale sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. (What are they thinking???)

In Spain, New Year’s is ushered in by consuming 12 grapes at midnight -- one for each stroke of the clock. This dates back to 1909, when grape-growers started this practice to take care of a grape surplus the previous year. The idea caught on and spread from Spain to Portugal as well as their colonies in the Americas. (Wonder if 12 sips of wine could be substituted?)

Cakes and other baked goods are very popular and are commonly served from Christmas to New Year’s around the world. In some cultures, it is customary to hide a special trinket or coin inside the cake. The recipient will be lucky in the new year if their piece of cake contains the trinket or coin. (That is unless it is followed by a trip to Dr. Woody Ingram’s.)

In addition to “lucky foods” there are a few to be avoided. Lobster, for instance, is a bad idea because they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks. Chicken is also not recommended because the bird scratches backward which could cause regret or dwelling on the past. Another popular thought warns against eating any winged fowl because good luck could fly away.

Eat as much lucky food as you can; just don’t overdo it ... you could end up being a regular at the gym in 2010!

Happy New Year’s to everyone!

Send recipes and comments to Judge Barger at ebarger@angelinacounty. net or call her at 829-3535.