Hello my Foodie Friends!
It’s that time again for us here at Compliments to the Chef to thank all the wonderful acquaintances that have helped us throughout the year.As Clarence said to George Bailey, “No man is a failure who has friends.” We have foodie friends which is even better!So many great people have come through our door with questions and some with suggestions. We believe that we have a great extended family who shares in our joy of cooking and creating our own masterpiece meals. As we welcome in the New Year and begin 2020, memories of some New Year traditions come to mind.Upon meeting my wife Paula, I had the opportunity to be exposed to some of the southern traditions her mother made based on her father’s background growing up in Virginia.The serving of black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day has been considered a lucky New Year’s food that dates back almost 1500 years.The tradition arrived in America during the 1930’s in Georgia and spread after the Civil War.In the Southern states, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is considered good luck to bring prosperity to the New Year.The traditional meal includes collards, turnips, or mustard greens, and ham.The swelling of the black-eyed peas symbolizes prosperity; the greens symbolize money; the ham represents positive motion.Below is a great recipe that includes all of the ingredients we hope brings good luck to you for 2020. We have beautiful round cast iron Dutch ovens from Le Creuset, Staub, and Lodge that can help you with this wonderful dish. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store at 33 Railroad Place to pick up your cool tools for cooks to help with your culinary preparations.
Remember my Food Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen!” Make magical memories.
“Although the nights could be dark
The days are almost always bright
I want that your life
Constantly be full of the glowing light
Of a Gifted “New Year”
So here is wishing you and your nearest and dearest
A Very Happy New Year 2020.”
Take Care,
John & Paula
