Texas New Years Traditional Foods

by Connie Siler
(Port Lavaca, TX)

12 GRAPES at midnight with a wish with each, represents 12 months of the years wishes to come true.(we had non alcoholic sparkling grape juice and a kiss at midnight. Kissing at midnight - not only allows us to share a moment of celebration with a favorite person, but also ensures those AFFECTIONS will continue throughout the year.

Black eye peas: Because they are believed to bring GOOD LUCK as well as FINANCIAL PROSPERITY for the year.

Cabbage: The cabbage, or any other greens for that matter, ensures PROSPERITY throughout the year.

Ham: The ham (or any cut of pork) symbolizes GOOD HEALTH.

Cornbread: Cornbread is deemed desirable on the first day of year because its color resembles that of GOLD.

It is easy to cook and eat everything on here, but cabbage.. many do not like it (like my husband) so I made a recipe today (1-1-17) that I knew he would like (although I did not try and trick him into believing it was not cabbage)

Head of green cabbage cut up about 3 inches long/wide
Onion cut up small
1/2 can rotel tomatoes
1 pk. pork and beef sausage (I use the hillshire farms link)

Fry all of the above in a few tablespoons of olive oil on medium high, for about 15 minutes, add a 1/2 cup butter/margarine, and simmer a few more minutes. Cut heat to low, and let simmer for 20 minutes or until tender..

HE LOVED IT! 1st time he has ever like cabbage.

AND MAY ALL of these traditional foods and meanings come true for you in 2017! Happy New Year!