Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Do you eat black eyed peas and collard greens for New Years?

Bassgiraffe's Thoughts Thursday Blog Hop


Do you eat black eyed peas and collard greens for New Years?  Living in the South, this is a must have for NewYears.   My parents swear by this practice.   The peas mean good luck for the year to come and the greens symbolize prosperity.   I certainly could use some good luck and prosperity, who couldn't?  There is only one problem.  I can't stand either! I have never been a fan of collard greens and black eyed peas just taste like dirt. 

So what do you do for an alternative?    I like to substitute spinach for collards.  Not being a huge fan of cooked spinach,   this recipe for Spinach Salad from Alton Brown  is a nice fresh alternative and works great in place of the collard greens.   I have posed the question to my mom, does it count if you eat the spinach salad while listening to the Black Eyed Peas?   If it does, I am golden! 


Ingredients
  • 8 ounces young spinach
  • 2 large eggs
  • 8 pieces thick-sliced bacon, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 large white mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 ounces red onion (1 small), very thinly sliced

Directions

Remove the stems from the spinach and wash, drain and pat dry thoroughly. Place into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Place the eggs into an electric kettle and cover with cold water by at least 1-inch. Turn the kettle on. Once the water comes to a boil, the kettle will turn itself off. Leave the eggs in the water for 15 minutes. Remove and peel off the shell. Slice each egg into 8 pieces and set aside.
While the eggs are cooking, fry the bacon and remove to a paper towel to drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of the rendered fat. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
Transfer the fat to a small saucepan set over low heat and whisk in the red wine vinegar, sugar and Dijon mustard. Season with a small pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper.
Add the mushrooms and the sliced onion to the spinach and toss. Add the dressing and bacon and toss to combine. Divide the spinach between 4 plates or bowls and evenly divide the egg among them
  
The second recipe is pretty good, and it takes care of the black eyed peas.  This one can be found at CDkitchen.   
I like this recipe because with the green chilies and jalapenos, it hides the taste of the peas for me. 
Black Eyed Pea Mexican Dip

15 ounces Can black-eyed peas drained
15 ounces Can whole kernel corn
10 ounces Can diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 cup red bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
4 ounces Jar chopped pimientos, drained
8 ounces Bottle zesty Italian dressing
1/2 cup chopped jalapeno peppers

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir gently to combine. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with corn chip or your choice.  

If you decide to honor this long held food tradition (traditionally or non-traditionally)  I hope that you and your family have a wonderful New Year. 

3 comments:

  1. New follower from blog Hop Thursday. Hope you follow back.
    http://grandmabonniescloset.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks so much for joining us at Traveling Through Thursday! I am already following you. Also I am starting a blog directory. Check out this post and email me if you are interested. http://livingonloveandcents.blogspot.com/2010/12/blog-directory-are-you-listed.html ALSO Happy New Year! Hope you have a safe and happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete