There is still time to suck down some noodles, pick at some peas, grab some grapes, and cash in on some green(s). For those of you who keep time to the Julian calendar, your day is January 14. The Chinese New Year rings February 10 – 11 (year of the snake, baby) and for those of you who really like to push the late New Year envelope, try Chaul Chnam Thmey April 13. The Khmer New Year this go around is year of the dragon. I think dragon trumps snake and I’ll go with Chaul Chnam Thmey.
Not only do you have a chance to chow down on lucky noshes, you have several chances to make and break resolutions and redeem yourself – again. I myself, like new beginnings, especially when I get several chances to begin again, and again….
Now about those black eyed peas folks are always griping about. If you dump them out of a can, like most stuff you just dump out of a can, the results will be a most memorable memory of blahblahblah. I myself, being a true daughter of the south, picked my peas at the end of the summer and while fresh and sweet, I froze them away for future use. Sweet and al dente, these peas please. I put some water in a pot, add a bit of salt, a nice piece of ham, smoked ham hock, salt pork, streak of lean…..let boil until the water is a nice porky broth. I then add the peas, cover, and let cook until tender. The peas and broth put into a bowl and eaten with hot, well buttered cornbread and paired with a big glass of sweet tea (a bold yet winsome Luzianne 2012) makes most anybody happy.
BTW: Why are black eyed peas lucky? According to ancient Southern legend, during the war of northern aggression, the town of Vicksburg was surrounded and food had run out. In an amazing discovery, bags of dried peas were found. The townspeople were saved from starvation. I take no responsibility for this tale, but I was told by a friend from Miz-zippi, that this is true. I have no reason to doubt her word. She has always been truthful, especially that time she and her husband took me snipe hunting. I didn’t catch anything in my bag but I was told that was because I didn’t whistle it in right.
Or, you can do as a lot of Asians and eat noodles – the longer the better. However, be warned: the noodle must make it to the mouth whole. “Toshi-koshi” as the Japanese say, from one year to the next. Years ago, myself and one of the members of the 11/16 Society enacted that scene from Lady and the Tramp with an amazingly long soba noodle. No meatball, but at the end of that noodle, we didn’t care. That was definitely a lucky food for 01/01/85.
Circular foods are always good for lucky eating – no break, eternity, full cycle……you get the drift. After the black eyed peas and cornbread, I would suggest a luxurious round dessert: donut and ice cream. The method: take a Krispy Kreme donut (another southern delicacy that has migrated around the world) and carefully warm in a pan with a few pats of melted butter. Remove from pan and top with ice cream of your choice. Enjoy with a big mug of chickory enhanced coffee and a big splash of half and half. Yowzer y’all.
Happy New Year, as many times as you can find on the calendar. Noodles, donuts, grapes, peas, whatever……But if you must make resolutions, then resolve to be happy, be kind, find excuses to laugh, make new friends. Live long and prosper.
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It’s Friday, end of the school and work week, going to a Bah-bee-kew tomorrow and hanging out with some of our friends. I am doing the ultimate in lazy and take 2 dozen assorted Krispy Kreme donuts as our dish to bring. We are going to be THE popular couple.
kanzen sakura 