RedGage

In the south, eating black eyed peas and cabbage is a New Year's Day tradition. It's supposed to bring good luck and wealth throughout the year. There are many variations on this old superstition. Some make a black eyed pea soup with rice and collard greens, while others opt for a pot of black eyed peasand cornbread. This New Years, treat guests to a few new dishes that will ensure tradition, but excite the taste buds.Black Eyed Pea RecipesDown in Texas, the New Years Day lunch usually consist of a pot of black eyed peas, (Hoppin' John), a pan of cornbread and boiled cabbage. However if you are planning for an afternoon of family, fun and football, there are few more exciting options to the traditional fare.Texas CaviarIngredients :

• 2 cans (16 ounces each) black eyed peas
• 2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) corn
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 1-2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
• 6 roma tomatoes
• 1 large clove garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp. salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. Tabasco sauce
• 3/4 cup of Italian salad dressing

Directions :

1. Drain and rinse black-eyed peas. Combine in a large bowl with corn, chopped peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
2. Mix the Italian salad dressing, Tabasco, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and stir gently to coat. Refrigerate for several hours to overnight before serving.
3. Serve as a dip with tortilla chips and crackers or it can be a side dish or salad.

Black Eyed Pea Broccoli Cheese SoupIngredients :

• 1 pound of ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 (12 ounce) can of black eyed peas, drained
• 1 cup of chopped onions
• 1 (12 ounce) can of creamed corn
• 1 cup of cornmeal
• 1/2 cup of flour
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1/2 cup of cooking oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 2 chopped jalapeno peppers
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 pound package of frozen or fresh broccoli
• 2 cups of water

Directions :

1. In a medium to large pot, boil the broccoli in the two cups of water.
2. Then add one ingredient at a time starting with the ground beef down to the cheddar cheese on the ingredient list. Stir between ingredients.
3. Let everything simmer together for about thirty minutes before serving,

Cheesy Black Eyed Pea DipIngredients :

• 4 ounces butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 pound of Velveeta processed Cheese spread
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 2 cans (12 ounces each) black-eyed peas, drained
• 3/4 cup of salsa
• 1 pound of ground pork sausage, brown and drained

Directions :

1. In a large skillet, saute the onion and garlic in the butter
2. Slowly add and melt the Velveeta in with the onion and garlic
3. Add the milk slowly into the mixture to thin it down
4. Once all the cheese is melted and blended with the onion and garlic, add the black eyed peas, salsa and sausage. Stir well.
5. Simmer on low for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve with chips and crackers.

Black Eyed Peas on New Year's DayThe tradition of eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day dates back to Civil War times. When the northern states invaded the south, they took everything they wanted, including most of the food supplies. Since black eyed peas were considered hog feed in the north, the peas were ignored. The southerners avoided starvation by eating the peas along with collard greens. Many in the south consider these little peas to be lucky. Some will even count out 365 peas to eat on New Years Day just to ensure good luck every day of the year. Enjoy the day, with or without the black eyed peas, but if it's with black eyed peas, enjoy the new and different ways to spice up the same old bowl of beans.