In my personal life, the New Year is a time to remember how I got here, and to decide where I’d like to go next. I am a blend of all those who have come before me, as well as a product of my environment. I have traditions from the south, where my family settled while I also see and hear movie references in my day to day habits and vocabulary. It is a paradoxical blend of old, new and make-believe. I keep what I like and discard or set aside the rest. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to always do things that help me “live long and prosper.” I believe that you need to prosper financially to support a long and healthy life. The longer you live, the more it costs. I intend to live a VERY long time, therefore I need to prosper.
I learned this year, that one of my southern New Year’s traditions of eating black-eyed peas actually has its roots in Judaism. It is one of the Rosh Hashanah traditions that is believed to bring good luck. I find it ironic that when this tradition was adopted in the United States, ham and cornbread were added to the tradition. I’m sure that was just because ham tastes so-o-o-o good. Either way, this tradition will hopefully continue to bring me good luck and help me prosper throughout the years.
I have begun to adopt my own tradition of something we southerners call Texas Caviar. The beans represent coins, the corn represents gold and the green peppers, chilies and cilantro represent money. This healthy mixture can add health to your new year and won’t break the bank, therefore helping you “live long and prosper!”
Texas Caviar
2 cups Pinto Beans-cooked, rinsed, drained
2 cups Black Beans-cooked, rinsed, drained
2 cups Black-Eyed Peas-cooked, rinsed, drained
2 cups Corn-cooked, rinsed, drained
1 Green Pepper-chopped
3 Jalapenos-chopped
¼ cup Green Chilies-cooked, chopped
4 ounce Jar of Pimentos-drained
1 cup White Balsalmic Vinegar-salt and sweeten to your taste (you can also use Italian dressing if you like)
1 tsp Ground Pepper
½ cup Fresh Cilantro-chopped
Happy New Year!
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