As 2011 comes to a close, I’d like to personally wish all of you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. Enjoy the celebration with friends, family, and of course some yummy food and drink. Although I’m sure you will all encounter good fortune in 2012, why not start the new year off with some lucky foods.
Good Fortune Feast
Drink: White Wine Spritzer
Appetizer: Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto
Main: Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon with Lentils & Kale
Dessert: Orange Almond Cake
Grapes
Mexican’s celebrate the new year by eating 12 grapes; one for each chime at midnight. Enjoy this healthy tradition, but be sure to make a wish when swallowing each grape. Serve this white wine spritzer and nosh on some extra grapes at the stroke of midnight.
Pork
‘Some cultures believe pigs symbolize prosperity and abundance because of their plump bodies and high fat content, while others say pigs symbolize progress because they push themselves forward as they root around in the dirt for food. Traditional dishes include roast suckling pig (Ireland, Cuba, Austria), roast pork and sausages with cabbage (Germany), ham and collard greens (United States), and pig’s feet (Sweden).’ (Source)
Although not completely traditional, this easy appetiser will wow you and your guests:
Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto
Cooked Greens
Cooked greens such as cabbage, kale, and chard, resemble folded money and are therefore a symbol of economic fortune. Many different countries including Germany, Denmark, and the USA observe this tradition.
Legumes
The small dried beans, peas, and legumes represent coins. When they are cooked they swell in size, and therefore symbolize the growing of wealth when eaten.
Fish
Photo provided courtesy of http://www.cleaneatingmag.com
As with many other traditions, fish is thought to symbolize wealth. In particular fish with silver scales are to be eaten. The Polish enjoy pickled herring at the stroke of midnight
This sophisticated yet simple main meal is sure you bring you good luck with it’s winning combination:
Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon with Lentils & Kale
Cakes and Baked goods
photo provided courtesy of elanaspantry.com
Ring-shaped cakes and other baked goods symbolize wholeness and the completion of a full year’s cycle. Many countries have different traditions. In Greece, a special round cake called vasilopita is baked with a coin inside. ‘At midnight or after the New Year’s Day meal, the cake is cut, with the first piece going to St. Basil and the rest being distributed to guests in order of age’. The person who gets the coin in their piece of cake will be lucky in the new year.
Finish the evening off with a sweet treat. Slice into this gluten and dairy free Orange Almond Cake from Elana over at Elena’s Pantry. Just make sure to put your coin in before baking to see who will win the jackpot!
Happy New Year! See you in 2012
Question:
- Do you have any new year’s eve/new year’s day traditions?
Leave your comments below.
Wow, very interesting! I only knew about black-eyed peas
Nice blog!