Hi Phyllis!  What a coincidence!  Susan asked a similar question about New Year’s dishes a few weeks ago, specifically about “lucky” black-eyed peas.  Here’s what I told her:

Oh my goodness – my Grandma Hazel was a proponent of black-eyed peas as well.  She used to tell us that however many black-eyed peas you ate on New Year’s would predict how many days of good luck you’d have in the year to come. You’ll be able to down quite a few peas with New Year’s Black-Eyed Peas and Hoppin’ John Salad.

Both of those recipes include pork, which is also a traditional good-luck New-Year’s food in many cultures – something about pigs digging in the ground in a forward motion and therefore always looking ahead. Indeed, Southerners like to dine on pork and collard greens (representing money) on New Year’s Day. So you might want to try Southern Chicken & Greens, which includes bacon playing the part of the pork.

Cabbage played the role of representing money in good-luck dishes in Northern Europe, so Noodles & Fried Cabbage (also featuring the requisite bacon!) might also be in order on New Year’s day.

Happy New Year to you Phyllis, and to all my wonderful Grandma's Kitchen visitors! I've so enjoyed talking with you this past year. You are all the best!