Texas New Years food traditions

The Great State of Texas can boast about several New Year’s traditions – many of which were traditions that were transplanted to Texas from the Old South and usually dealt with food. Often, generation after generation of families would pass down superstitions about what to consume that would give you luck during the new year.

Black-Eyed Peas

Perhaps the most important food to bring you luck during the new year would be black-eyed peas. It has become essential in most Texas homes that the peas should be served for lunch on Jan. 1.  This southern tradition can be traced back to the 1860s to southern kitchens. In addition to serving just black-eyed peas, Texans often “add to” the dish and create something that has become known as “Hoppin’ John.” To create this unusual dish, onions, bacon, and rice are cooked along with the peas – recipes vary from cook to cook.

Cornbread

Cornbread, a staple in Texas, has held a special place in New Year’s Eve traditions in the Lone Star State. Often cooked in a cast iron skillet, the golden cornbread symbolizes wealth and prosperity for the coming year. Texans often believe that eating cornbread on Dec. 31 will bring good fortune to those consuming it. Cornbread is often served with black-eyed peas and with collard greens.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are often considered to bring financial success. They hold a special place in Texas New Year’s traditions – the green color represents paper money. Traditionally, collard greens are often slow-cooked along with ham hocks or bacon to enhance the flavor.

Tamales

Tamales come in several different flavors with fillings such as pork, chicken, and beef. These corn husk wrapped tamales are thought to bring good luck for the coming year. Tamales hold a special place in native Texas history.

Lucky Coins Cake

The Lucky Coins Cake is not as well known in Texas New Years history. The cakes are baked with hidden coins inside. The sweet dessert is often associated with finding a coin inside the cake, which was considered to be a sign of wealth and luck in the coming year.

Champagne Toasts in Texas

Champagne toasts have become a well-known tradition. As the midnight hour draws close, Texans often raise their glasses and offer a toast to bid farewell to the old year and offer a welcome to the approaching year.

Grapes at Midnight

A lesser-known tradition in Texas is the eating of 12 grapes at midnight. This custom was introduced to Texas by the influence of Spanish and Latin American customs. Each grape represents good luck for each month of the upcoming year. Although not native to Texas, grape platters have become a favorite tradition.

All the New Year’s dishes explored in the history of Texas have combined several regional ingredients, multi-cultural influences, and many superstitions that have been thought to bring luck and great prosperity in the coming year.