Ring In the New Year with Tasty Traditions

103
Ring In the New Year with Tasty Traditions
Quincy L. Cheek

Celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays – it was first observed 4,000 years ago in ancient Babylon.  In the southern United States, we often celebrate the holiday with some traditional foods such as black eyed peas, cabbage or other “greens” and cornbread.  The legumes are often cooked with ham or pork sausage – the hog is believed to be a symbol of prosperity.  This dish will supposedly bring us good luck if we consume it on the first day of the New Year.  Cabbage and/or greens (mustard, turnip) are also considered to be good luck if eaten on New Year’s Day with their green leaves being representative of money.  Corn bread is often served along with black eyed peas and cabbage and it symbolizes gold.  So if you think you’re in need of a little extra luck in 2011, here are some simple, tasty recipes to try:

 –

Black – Eyed Pea & Sausage Jambalaya (Cooked in a Rice Cooker!)

Ring In the New Year with Tasty Traditions1 Lb. Smoked Sausage (Beef Or Pork) Sliced And Browned
1 Can (15.5oz.) Black-Eyed Peas with Jalapenos
1 Can (10.5oz.) Beef Broth
1 ¼ Cup (10oz.) Uncooked Medium or Long Grain Rice
½ Stick Butter, Cut Into Several Pieces
1 Small Onion, Chopped
1 Small Bell Pepper Chopped
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
½ Cup Chopped Green Onions

Brown the sausage in a skillet and drain excess grease.  Add all ingredients to rice cooker, stir, cover and press “Cook” switch.  Once meal is cooked, and the switch on the rice cookers pops up to the “Warm” mode, let it stand covered for 10 minutes before serving.  Cooked for 18 minutes and made up to the 5 cup level.

Chinese Coleslaw

Ring In the New Year with Tasty Traditions1 Bag Coleslaw Mix
3 Green Onions, Sliced
½ Cup Sunflower Seeds
½ Cup Sliced Almonds
1 Package Ramen Noodle Soup Mix (Chicken)

In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix with green onions, sunflower seeds and almonds. Crumble the noodles and add to the slaw and mix well. Pour the dressing over the slaw and mix well. Let slaw sit for a couple of hours before serving.

Dressing:

½ Cup Oil
1/3 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup Vinegar
Package of Seasoning from Ramen Soup

In a pint jar, combine oil, sugar, vinegar and seasoning mix. Shake jar until well mixed. Pour dressing over the slaw and mix well.

For more information on this, or other nutrition topics contact the Rapides Parish Extension Office at (318) 767-3968 or visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com/rapides.