How was 2022 for you?
For me and my family, it had it's ups and downs, just like most. My Honey Ted getting diagnosed with esophageal cancer the later part of 2022, put a big notch in the down category. He got through round 1 (hopefully the only one needed) treatment like a champ. The treatments were used to kill any cancer cells that could escape. Keep them at bay, and make the cancer go away. He's in the healing mode to get his body ready for the next step ... surgery to remove the tumor. #TeamHoneyTed
That's the plan, as we head into the New Year on a journey to a cancer free 2023! I figure any Luck we can get, certainly doesn't hurt. Eating for Luck, even better. May 2023 be a Happy and Healthy Year for you and your family! Try eating these things, and see if Good Luck finds you.
1 Black-eyed Peas
The shape of coins that represent wealth. The other story has them being eaten during Civil War time that helped families from starving. Big Lucky food in the South. In the South, Black-eyed peas are the stars of the Hoppin' John recipe that is made with rice, black-eyed peas, smoked pork, and onions. Texas Caviar covers for Luck too!
2 Cake
Yes, Cake is Lucky! Round cake even more since the shape looks like a coin. Orange cake has a history in Greek culture being Lucky. A coin is baked in it, and whoever's piece has the coin gets extra Luck. If you do this, let everyone know. Choking on a cake coin would not be very lucky.
3 Cornbread
Golden brown-color representing GOLD - Wealth! Yummy too!
4 Grapes (12)
Spain / Mexico culture tradition. Eat 12 (green) grapes by the stroke of Midnight into the New Year. If you eat all 12 by the time it's Midnight, you have good luck. The 12 grapes represent a month in the year. If you run across a sour grape, be prepared for that month to be bumpy. Some say grapes in general, and others say green grapes.
5 Fish
The scales look like coins, and they travel in schools. Abundance and Wealth is the luck of eating Fish. An extra helping may not hurt. Good for your health too. Chinese New Year falls on January 22, 2023. Year of the Rabbit!
6 Leafy Greens
Good for you and lucky for your wallet. “peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold.” Southern style Collard Greens for luck. Word is tacking a few of the greens on the ceiling for Good Luck and warding off Evil Spirits is a thing too. Hey whatever works right?!
7 Lentils
Eating lentils bring good luck, fortune, and prosperity to the New Year. Italian Lentil Soup hits the lucky spot. Don't forget to eat the 12 grapes!
8 Noodles
Symbolize longevity. Long noodles during the Chinese New Year represent a long and fulfilling life. Get your Noodle Luck on for the New Year!
9 Oranges and Tangerines
Oranges, kumquats, tangerines and pomelos are common Chinese New Year yummies meant to bring Good Luck and Happiness. Oranges / tangerines represent 'Gold' which is wealth. Making a Round Orange Cake makes a Lucky Luck Combo. Mandarin Oranges lucky draw.
10 Pomegranates
Eating pomegranates are associated with fertility and life. Greek culture has smashing one outside of your home with the more seeds scattering means the luckier the year will be. Also the seeds celebrate fertility, if you're wanting to start or grow a larger family.
11 Pork
Part superstition and tradition for the New Year. The fatty part of the pig respresents luxury and wealth. Bacon, Ham and more is a welcome part of a New Year's Day meal!
Southern Living New Year's Day Good Luck Recipes
Happy New Year Y'all! Thank You to all who send thoughts, prayers and positive healing vibes to Honey Ted. Showing and sharing your love and support through his cancer journey means the world to us! It's greatly appreciated! The journey into the New Year leads honey Ted to finishing up healing towards surgery. We expect a large part of his esophagus with the cancer will be removed. There looks to be a lengthy recovery and rehab for eating that will hopefully have a happy and healthier ending that's Cancer Free in 2023! Big Hugs! You Rock! Honey Ted, Heather & Rudy Roo!