The legend of eating black eyed peas on New Years day is a tradition from the south. It's said that the eye of the pea is looking into the future and so the consumer has foresight. Another custom states eating them shows humility. Some say you have to eat 365 peas on New Years day, one for every day of the years to ensure luck. There are various recipes and names associated with this bean. "Hoppin' John" and "Cowboy Caviar" amongst them. This tradition has gained popularity over the past few years, due to the Internet I suppose since information, no matter how useless, is easily exchanged. Hell just Google it. Everything you didn't want to know can be found at your fingertips and being alumni of Google U, I am full of such worthless wisdom.
If you went to any grocery store today there were displays of prominently placed peas, much to my chagrin. The black eyed pea tradition came to me a few years ago. It is said that to eat these damn peas on New Years day will bring luck and wealth. I am always looking for an edge so I took it seriously. Last year, New Years day 07 was the first year I proactively cooked a pot O' peas, expecting my due luck. What I got was unprecedented collapse of my world. Was it luck? That is yet to be seen. I can tell you that today, I did not cook any black eyed peas. I have no idea what my future holds but there is something delicious in the oblivion.
Bon Apetite'
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