New Year's Food Traditions Part 1 of 2

No matter our differences, everyone in the world celebrates the start of the new year – and there are a load of tasty traditions and customs, many of which we've incorporated into our all-American melting pot – all in the name of good luck.

Like from the Far East, eating noodles at the stroke of midnight is customary at Buddhist temples in Japan.

And in some parts of China, it's customary for dumplings, chicken and fish to be served for New Year's Eve.

In Hispanic cultures on New Year's Eve, to signify the 12 months of the year, many people, not all…but many…eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.

Over in Europe, we'll find many of those of German and Polish descent eating herring for good fortune. Boiled cod is a "must" in Denmark, and a sweet donut-like fritter stuffed with raisins and apples is popular in Holland for the new year.

Now back here in the states, a German-Pennsylvania Dutch tradition is to eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day.

And down south, the custom of eating greens such as cabbage, collard or mustard greens, kale or spinach is popular in the hopes of bringing another green home: money!

And one of the most well-known down-home traditions from the South Carolina low-country is to eat a dish called Hoppin' John. You know what? Tomorrow let's share the recipe for that so we can all ring in the new year with a hearty bowl of some "all-American" "OOH IT'S SO GOOD!!®"

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