The other day I mentioned to a friend how I couldn’t wait to have pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day and I got what I can only describe as an incredibly perplexed and somewhat disgusted stare. Turns out this tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch is common in well, Pennsylvania, and not nationwide. This got me thinking about other lucky foods that people use to ring in the New Year.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most popular and of course, a recipe for traditional pork and sauerkraut.
Grapes: In Spain you celebrate by eating 12 grapes at midnight. I’m sure 12 glasses of wine would also suffice! Apparently the taste of the grapes also dictates how that month will be so make sure to keep a count as you’re eating them.
Black eyed peas: In the South, eating these beans in a traditional dish called Hoppin John is considered lucky.
Kale: Come on people, it’s green and therefore symbolizes wealth in the New Year.
Roe: Eating fish eggs in Japan symbolizes fertility. If you aren’t in the market for a new family member, consume with caution!
What to avoid: Apparently you aren’t supposed to eat lobsters (since they crawl backwards) so it’s a good thing my lovely New Year’s Eve host is serving our lobster tails before midnight!
Pork & Sauerkraut
1 large pork should trimmed of excess fat (approx. 8-10 pounds)
3 lbs of sauerkraut with liquid
Mashed potatoes
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350
Combine all pork and sauerkraut in a roasting pan covered with foil or dutch oven for approx. 2.5 hours (This can also be done in a slow cooker.)
Serve with mashed potatoes
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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