Aaaahhhh…the essence of Christmas lingers in the air, on the floor, in the piles of boxes and wrapping paper stacked next to the trash cans awaiting pickup. Like a cyclone, the holiday blew in and spiraled out.
Time to look toward 2025, set your intentions for the year, and prepare the auspicious savory New Year’s Day smorgasbord to light the way. You know the ones: collards and greens for money, black-eyed peas for luck in the new year, onion rings for growth and rebirth, tamales for strength in family and so many more. With all the traditions, the meal could look quite like a hodgepodge of thrown together foods unless you know their significance.
Vinny and Allie Correa own Arrows Farm, a family owned farm which grows foods organically. “Collards love frost. Frost is what changes the plants flavor profile to less bitter and more tender,” explained Allie.
Arrows Farm offers homegrown produce in the Northeast Georgia mountains. Located at 1823B Shoal Creek Rd, Clarkesville, GA, the Correa’s offer weekly veggie boxes, educational opportunities, and events.
A recipe the Correa’s love is Collard Slaw. It is one of their favorites for New Year’s Day dinner.
To add to the collards, pork is considered a sign of prosperity. Pork chops or a glazed ham will go nicely with the Collard Slaw. Cornbread symbolizes gold and when added with black-eyed peas and greens, you have tripled your luck.
There are also foods you should not eat on New Year’s Day. Lobster is a big no-no because legend has it that since lobsters swim backwards, by eating lobster, you seal your fate to not move ahead in the new year. Chicken is never a good choice either. It is believed since they have wings, your luck will fly away.
Whatever you choose to eat to start the new year, we at Now Habersham want to wish you a year filled with joy, hope, peace, and luck.
RELATED: The meaning behind the New Year’s Day meal
