A Southern New Year Good Luck Menu

Black-eyed peas are the leading good luck charm for a healthy and happy Southern New Year. Unlike Hoppin' John, this version, which got its start in Dallas as "Texas Caviar," is served cold, and is about as delicious as a salad can be. Pair with cornbread, which represents gold, and you've got a combo perfect for good luck in the New Year. In the South, pork, cabbage, or collards can also be part of the lucky menu.

🍯 🌽 🍞 🍯 🌽 🍞 🍯 🌽 🍞

"In With the New" Black-Eyed Pea Salad

aka Texas Caviar

Makes 16 Servings

12 scallions, white and green parts, sliced thin

1 red onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper

1 can (10 ounces) Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilis, drained

1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained

2 cans (15.5 ounces each) blackeyed peas, drained

In large bowl, combine scallions, red onion, green pepper, chili powder, cumin, cilantro, vinegar, black pepper, stir together thoroughly. Add Rotel tomatoes, corn, blackeyed peas, stir together thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving.

🍯 🌽 🍞 🍯 🌽 🍞 🍯 🌽 🍞

Belle Reve Honey Cornbread

Makes 8 servings

"Golden fortune" for the New Year. The sweetness of honey will make your "belle reve," or beautiful dream, a reality. It's fun to bake, and simply delicious. Infinitely more satisfying than a mix.

1 1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

2/3 cup yellow cornmeal

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon arrowroot starch or cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, very soft, more to grease pan

1/4 cup canola oil

2 large eggs

Heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, starch, salt.

In medium bowl, whisk together milk, honey, butter, oil, eggs. With wooden spoon, stir liquid mixture into dry, combining thoroughly to make a smooth batter. It is okay if you still have some chunks of butter. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes till a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool for 15 minutes and slice into portions as preferred.

🍯 🌽 🍞 🍯 🌽 🍞 🍯 🌽 🍞