New Year's Day is approaching and your entire year's success relies on what you eat during January 1st. Yes, that is a very southern tradition that has spread across the country. If you don't eat your black-eyed peas you could be tempting fate for the rest of the year. So how did this start and more importantly, where you can find the best black-eyed peas this New Year's Day?

The tradition of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. The dull looking pea crops were used as food for livestock and later as a food staple for poor people in the South. Because of this lowly reputation, the Union Army troops of General Sherman ignored the fields of black-eyed peas while destroying or stealing other crops. During the harsh winter, the Confederate soldiers survived on the remaining black-eyed peas, promoting this humble and nourishing legume into a symbol of fortune and prosperity in the American South.

However the tradition started, over the past 100-plus years Southerners have added items to the pot that represent good luck and fortune. The "New Year's Meal" is now the standard across the south and has spread throughout the lands. Here are the "add-on" you can have with this lucky meal:

• Cornbread - a true southerner would never have peas without this but it represents "gold" in your future
• Collards or Greens - represents the paper money you will obtain during the next 365 days
• Stewed Tomatoes - represent wealth and health for the year
• Bacon / Pork Belly - because a southern adds this to as many side dishes as possible

There are so many different New Year recipes for the classic black-eyed pea feast. The thing you have to remember is you should eat at least 365 of the small peas to have good luck the entire year. So you can plan peas for lunch, dinner and even breakfast that day.

WHERE TO EAT THEM IN OUR AREA:

In the Gulf Shores area there are several established "Lucky" places to eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day.

FLORA-BAMA - for over 40 years the legendary bar has served them right after the famous POLAR BEAR DIP. The mystic powers of the pea must be strong at this location because many people have informed us about how they got "lucky" after visiting the Flora-Bama.

LULU's - Lucy Buffett adds here own special "love" to the tradition with her Hoppin' John recipe. Known by some as "Texas Caviar", these unique peas are blended with spices and secret ingredients for extra luck.

HAPPY PAPPY'S - The black-eyed peas are an integral part to the local "Southern Soul" soup offered here. The add the peas, greens and Conecuh Sausage to make it a true Alabama delicacy.

There are probably other locations as well but the main thing is for you to remember to EAT YOU BLACK-EYED PEAS if you want to have a great 2024!

WANT TO MAKE THE PEAS AT HOME?

First, we recommend getting your ingredients at Rouses in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. They carry all of the items we are about to mention.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry black-eyed peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (32 ounce) cartons chicken broth
• 8 cups water
• 1 pound smoked ham hocks
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 5 pepperoncini peppers
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let soak at room temperature, 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse; set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in broth and water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and broth is thickened, about 3 hours.