Right, let’s get real for a moment: who doesn’t need a bit of added sparkle and good fortune shaken into their lives, especially as we start a brand-new year? We’re referring to that spot where all things go well, where opportunities appear to land in your lap, and you really do feel like you’ve lucked out and gotten your money’s worth out of existence. What if we said we have a tasty secret ingredient that a lot of cultures throughout the world have been using for centuries? Prepare to enter a world where your plate of dinner may very well be your own good luck charm!
From ancient customs to contemporary interpretations, humans have long associated certain foods with good fortune, health, and positive energy. Not just about what is delicious; about what feels delicious, what represents abundance, and what ties us back to a common human need for a little bit of extra luck on our side. These are not just dinners; they are edible traditions full of history and the collective wishes of centuries. Consider it a gastronomic road map to a potentially better year, one bite at a time.
We’re about to take a culinary tour of a worldwide pantry of lucky foods, highlighting 13 amazing options that guarantee everything from more money to a longer life. In this first half of our adventure, we’re going to discover seven of these intriguing edibles, pulling back the layers on their cultural meanings and learning why a humble dish could be your path to “lucking out.” So go ahead, take a snack (perhaps a lucky one!) and let’s begin this tasty quest for luck!
1. Lentils
Lentils are honored globally as a harbinger of wealth and prosperity, especially in cultures of prosperity attraction. Because they resemble coins and expand in size when cooked, they symbolically depict the amassing of money and its growth in abundance. In Italy, lentils feature prominently during New Year’s Day to usher in money flow. Even in Brazil and Germany, they are so highly regarded for being symbols of riches expansion. They are easy to add to meals, convenient, and healthy, promoting health and future wealth. Whether waffles, tasty Moroccan cuisine, or other, lentils provide a tasty road to affluence.
Key Highlights:
- Lentils represent attracting wealth
- Coin-shape denotes money flow
- Swell to represent growth in abundance
- Crucial in Italian New Year
- Respected in Brazil, Germany
- Nutritious, convenient prosperity promoter
Lentils are popular globally as a wealth and prosperity symbol, especially in customs relating to attracting wealth. Their coin shape and puffed up state during cooking symbolically exemplify money accumulation and growth in overabundance. In Italy, they are a must on New Year’s Day to welcome financial abundance. Similarly sacred in Brazil and Germany, lentils symbolize expansion of wealth. It is easy, flexible, and healthy to add them to meals, building health and future prosperity. From creative combinations such as waffles to savory Moroccan dishes, lentils provide a tasty road to wealth.
Mujadarra (Lentils with Rice)
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main
- 14 ounces dry brown lentils
- 2 carrots grated
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic crushed, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons water or more as needed
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper Optional
- ¼ teaspoon yellow curry powder Optional
- 4 cups cooked brown rice or as needed
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water; add lentils and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until slightly tender, about 10 minutes. Add grated carrots; cook until slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Drain lentils and carrots.
- Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat; add onions and garlic. Cook and stir until onions wilt and become transparent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in lentils and carrots and reduce heat to medium-low. Add enough water to the pot to keep the lentil mixture from drying out.
- Sprinkle cumin, cayenne, curry powder, salt, and pepper over lentils; stir until heated through and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Serve over rice.
Notes
2. Cabbage
Cabbage is a rich symbol of monetary wealth in many cultures, with its verdant green leaves reflecting the hue of cash in countries such as the United States, Germany, and Ireland. This leafy giant welcomes prosperity and wealth, becoming a favorite for those asking for a plentiful year. Choose the green varieties to be in accord with lucky customs, purposefully avoiding purple ones as recommended. Useful in the kitchen, cabbage turns hot kimchi or comforting soups, marrying refined taste with symbolic wealth. Choosing this versatile green not only pleases the taste buds but strengthens one’s economic thinking through each healthy bite.
Key Highlights:
- Cabbage represents prosperity
- Green color imitates money color
- Well-liked in US, Germany, Ireland
- Select green, not purple types
- Versatile in kimchi, soups
- Guarantees wealth with taste
Cabbage is a colorful symbol of financial prosperity in many cultures, its rich green leaves likened to the color of money in countries such as the United States, Germany, and Ireland. This leafy giant welcomes prosperity and accumulation of wealth, becoming a focal point for those looking for a fruitful year. Choose the green varieties to be in line with lucky practices, consciously avoiding purple ones as recommended. Flexible in the kitchen, cabbage is either spicy kimchi or calming soups, combining sublime flavor with richer symbolism. Adapting this flexible green pleases the taste buds but also strengthens economic perspective through each satisfying bite.
3. Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas, popular legumes in the American South, are fraught with deep luck and strength, particularly as a valued New Year’s tradition. These tasty beans, labeled black and white, owe their lucky heritage to a Civil War story in Mississippi where Confederate troops found them during hardship, guaranteeing survival and inspiring long-lasting symbolism of hope and serendipity. Deep within cultural hearts, they guarantee good luck and unexpected abundance. Healthy and delicious, they enhance meals as a utility side, adding dinners historical charm and luck. Welcoming black-eyed peas brings this strong history of victory into daily life, mixing flavor with ageless hope.
Key Highlights:
- Black-eyed peas represent good luck
- Traditional Southern US New Year food
- Civil War survival revelation
- Symbolize resilience, unforeseen abundance
- Healthy, adaptable side dish
- Convey hope, cultural meaning
Black-eyed peas, popular legumes in the Southern United States, capture deep good luck and resilience, particularly as a well-loved New Year’s ritual. These tasty beans, stamped black and white, owe their lucky heritage to a Mississippi Civil War story in which Confederate soldiers found them during times of hardship, surviving and inspiring long-standing symbolism of hope and serendipity. Embedded in the hearts of people, they hold the promise of good luck and surprise abundance. Healthy and delicious, they add to meals as a great side dish, giving dinners historical magic and prosperity. Celebrating black-eyed peas brings this potent story of victory into the daily world, combining flavor with prosperity-oriented optimism.
New Year Black-Eyed Peas
Equipment
- 1 Large Stockpot Capacity of at least 8 quarts for simmering peas and ham hocks.
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef’s knife For dicing onion and mincing garlic.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Slotted Spoon Useful for removing ham hocks and serving.
Ingredients
Main
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and broth is thickened, about 3 hours.
Notes
4. Cornbread
Cornbread stands as a golden indicator of good fortune, its crumbly warmth evoking “mountains of gold” in myth that connects each bite to possible wealth. The bright yellow color directly recalls precious metal, creating a powerful link to wealth and riches baked into celebratory foods. Not just comfort food, it’s a ritual call for financial prosperity. Combine it with other lucky foods to intensify favorable energies, creating a feast full of enhanced fortune. Spice it up more by choosing jalapeño-spiced versions or easy homemade recipes, turning symbolic food into a taste-full, memorable prosperity ritual.
Key Highlights:
- Cornbread symbolizes mountains of gold
- Golden hue signifies riches
- Calls forth financial well-being
- Combine with other lucky foods
- Boosts good prosperity vibes
- Experiment with jalapeño or simple recipes
Cornbread appears as a golden light of fortune, warm, crumbly texture representing “mountains of gold” in ceremonies that connect each bite to possible wealth. The vibrant yellow color instantly calls to mind precious metal, creating a strong link with riches and plenty baked into celebratory meals. It is more than comfort food, but rather a ritual call for financial prosperity. Match it with other lucky staples to heighten fortunate energies, creating a banquet filled with intensified prosperity. For extra kick, use jalapeño-infused varieties or basic homemade preparations, making symbolic fare into a flavorful, memorable prosperity ceremony.
Grandma’s Cornbread Dressing
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining all dressing ingredients.
- 1 Large Skillet For sautéing vegetables.
- 1 7×11-inch Baking Dish Or similar sized oven-safe dish for baking.
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For mixing and stirring.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient measurement.
Ingredients
Main
- 3 cups crumbled cornbread
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion diced
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon dried sage or to taste
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 7×11-inch baking dish. Place crumbled cornbread in a large bowl. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and sauté until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Add sautéed onion and celery to the crumbled cornbread. Stir in chicken stock, eggs, sage, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour dressing into the prepared baking dish. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Bake in the preheated oven until dressing just starts to turn golden brown around the edges, about 30 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Serve and enjoy! My Hot Southern Mess
Notes
5. Fish
Fish is an all-purpose symbol of good luck, celebrated on all continents from Scandinavia and the U.S. to Germany, Poland, Italy, Japan, and China for its silver-coated abundance. Silver scales emulate coins, irresistibly conjuring wealth, with others keeping them in wallets to call upon financial growth. Gliding forward in schools, fish capture progress, abundance, and community, perfect metaphors for beginnings. Nutritionally dense, they also foster health along with good fortune, whether in budget-friendly tilapia, savory sardines, or indulgent salmon. This convenient seafood easily unites symbolic prosperity with authentic vitality, with each meal a step in the direction of fortune and energy.
Key Highlights:
- Fish all over the world represents good luck
- Silver scales look like money
- Symbolizes advancement, forward progression
- Schools represent plenty, unity
- Improves health, nutritional value
- Versatile: tilapia, sardines, salmon
Fish is an all-universally recognized symbol of good luck, honored on continents ranging from Scandinavia and the United States to Germany, Poland, Italy, Japan, and China for its silver-scaled abundance. Silvery scales look like money, immediately invoking prosperity, while others carry them in pockets to call for monetary expansion. Swimming forward in schools, fish represent progress, abundance, and community, perfect metaphors for new beginnings. Nutritiously rich, they extend health with good fortune, in affordable tilapia, tasty sardines, or decadent salmon. This versatile seafood effortless harmonizes symbolic prosperity with real health, and every meal is a step toward fortune and vitality.
Best Grilled Fish Tacos
Equipment
- 2 Mixing Bowls One for marinade, one for dressing.
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Shallow dish For marinating the fish.
- 1 Outdoor Grill With a well-oiled grate.
- 1 Tongs For handling fish on the grill.
Ingredients
Main
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning such as Old Bay
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce or to taste
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound tilapia fillets cut into chunks
- 1 8 ounce container light sour cream
- ½ cup adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- ½ teaspoon seafood seasoning such as Old Bay
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 10 ounce package tortillas
- 3 ripe tomatoes seeded and diced
- 1 small head cabbage cored and shredded
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped
- 2 limes cut in wedges
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- To marinate the fish: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, honey, seafood seasoning, hot pepper sauce, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper together in a bowl until blended. Place tilapia in a shallow dish; pour marinade over fish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- To make the dressing: Combine sour cream and adobo sauce in a bowl. Stir in lime juice, lime zest, seafood seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until needed. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Set the grate 4 inches from the heat.
- Remove fish from the marinade, drain off any excess and discard the marinade. Grill fish pieces until easily flaked with a fork, turning once, about 9 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- To assemble the tacos: Place fish pieces in the center of tortillas and top with desired amounts of tomatoes, cabbage, and cilantro; drizzle with dressing. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- To serve, roll up tortillas around fillings, and garnish with lime wedges. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Notes
6. Noodles
Noodles enthrall hearts throughout Asian cultures as colorful symbols of longevity and smooth transition, their long strands representing a desire for long, healthy life. The longer the noodle is intact from pot to mouth, the more powerful the guarantee of an uninterrupted, blessed journey. As edible bridges between years, they enable smooth passage into fresh beginnings at celebratory gatherings. This elegant but simple symbolism raises mundane meals to ceremonies of hope and continuity. Enjoy Pad Thai or equivalent dishes to appreciate flavor while inviting lasting fortune, swirling whole strands in respect for life’s flowing path.
Key Highlights:
- Noodles are symbols of longevity
- Longer strands represent longer life
- Span years, provide continuity
- Unbroken for smooth path
- New Year favorite
- Get Pad Thai recipe
Noodles charm hearts throughout Asian societies as colorful symbols of longevity and smooth transitions, their long strands of noodles symbolizing a desire for long, healthy life. The longer the noodle is left intact from pot to plate, the greater the guarantee of a smooth, prosperous ride. As consumable bridges between years, they provide effortless transition to new beginnings at celebratory feasts. This humble yet rich symbolism raises mundane meals to rituals of hope and continuity. Enjoy Pad Thai or comparable meal offerings to taste in order to bring eternal fortune, twirling whole strands in reverence for the flowing way of life.
Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Pho
Equipment
- 1 Small skillet For toasting spices and charring aromatics.
- 1 Large Stockpot For simmering the turkey broth.
- 1 Large Pot For cooking rice noodles.
- 1 Colander For draining cooked noodles.
- 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer Crucial for a clear pho broth, removing all solids.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 whole cardamom pod
- 1 star anise pod
- ½ onion peeled (Optional)
- 1 2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and smashed
- 8 cups water or more as needed
- 1 turkey carcass
- 1 16 ounce package dried flat rice noodles
- ¼ cup fish sauce
- salt to taste
- 1 cup shredded cooked turkey
- ¼ onion thinly sliced (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon shredded fresh basil leaves Optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro Optional
- 1 lime cut into wedges (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce such as Sriracha, or to taste (Optional)
Instructions
- Toast coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, cardamom pod, and star anise in a small skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant, 5 to 7 minutes. Place spices in the center of an 8-inch square piece of cheesecloth; gather edges and tie sachet with twine to secure.
- Cook ½ onion and ginger in the same skillet until lightly charred, about 3 minutes per side.
- Combine 8 cups water, turkey carcass, sachet, charred ½ onion, and charred ginger in a large pot over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; simmer for 2 hours.
- Fill a separate large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat; stir in rice noodles and return to a boil. Cook noodles, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until noodles are cooked through yet firm to the bite, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
- Remove and discard carcass, sachet, onion, and ginger from soup. Strain soup into a pot to remove any meat that may have fallen off the bones. Season soup with fish sauce and salt.
- Divide rice noodles and 1 cup shredded turkey meat among 4 large bowls; scatter ¼ cup sliced onion, basil, and cilantro on top. Ladle soup into bowls. Serve with a lime wedge and hot sauce.
Notes
7. Pomegranates
Pomegranates are age-old omens of fortune, venerated from ancient Egypt where King Tut welcomed one for rebirth to contemporary rituals in Turkey and Greece for vitality, fertility, and endless life. In Turkey, they reflect the human heart, guaranteeing generational perpetuity; in Greece, midnight breaking disperses seeds like spilled fortune, every one predicting wealth. The abundance of seeds directly multiplies domestic luck for the coming year. This jewel-colored fruit enhances foods with tart crunch topping yogurt, salads, or charcuterie combining ravishing beauty with limitless auspiciousness. As seven lucky foods wind down, the stage is set for six additional international edibles, teaser for deep examinations of the nature of luck throughout history and science.
Key Highlights:
- Pomegranates represent immortality
- Ancient Egypt: reincarnation magic
- Turkey: heart, fertility symbol
- Greece: break for prosperity
- More seeds, more money
- Is a natural with yogurt, salads, boards
Pomegranates are eternal signs of good fortune, admired from ancient Egypt where King Tut adopted one for rebirth to contemporary ceremonies in Greece and Turkey symbolizing life force, fertility, and immortality. In Turkey, they symbolize the human heart, guaranteeing family lineage through generations; in Greece, midnight crushing showers seeds like spilled wealth, each seed predicting riches. The number of seeds ensures family good fortune for the coming year in direct multiplication. This gem-colored fruit adds flair to foods with tangy crunch topping yogurt, salads, or charcuterie blending stunning beauty with infinite auspiciousness. With seven lucky foods wrapping up, the excitement mounts for six additional international comestibles, precursor to deep examinations of luck’s nature throughout history and science.
Pear and Pomegranate Salad
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan Small to medium size for the dressing
- 1 Whisk For emulsifying and stirring the dressing
- 1 Chef’s knife For prepping lettuce and pear
- 1 Cutting Board For safe and efficient ingredient preparation
- 2 Salad Bowls For assembling and serving the individual salads
Ingredients
Main
- 3 cups green leaf lettuce rinsed and torn
- 1 Bartlett or Anjou pear – halved cored, and cut into slices
- ⅓ cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon prepared Dijon-style mustard
- ½ tablespoon honey
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Divide lettuce, pear slices, and pomegranate seeds between two bowls and mix gently.
- Combine vegetable oil, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, mustard, honey, and pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until dressing thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Pour warm dressing over salads and serve.
Notes
8. Pork
Pork holds a treasured place in New Year’s customs throughout Cuba, Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Hungary, its former luxurious character attaching each juicy bite to wealth and social mobility. The pig’s forward-rooting spirit captures unyielding advance, encouraging pork to be the food that propels one resolutely forward without looking back. This robust protein calls for advancement into dishes, flexible in preparation from roasts to creative bacon-wrapped tenderloins. Every richly flavored serving becomes a ritual of advance, combining bountiful taste with metaphorical steps toward bold objectives. Embracing pork turns feasts into proclamations of forward prosperity and bounteous success.
Key Highlights:
- Pork is the symbol of prosperity
- Consumed in Cuba, Spain, Portugal
- Pigs symbolize progress ahead
- Associations with wealth, improvement
- Adaptable: bacon-wrapped tenderloin
- Doubles good fortune
Pork enjoys a valued place in New Year’s customs throughout Cuba, Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Hungary, its erstwhile rich positioning all delightful bites with prosperity and mobility forward. The forward-burrowing nature of the pig symbolizes persistent development, which inspires notions of eating pork drives one inexorably forward without looking back. This hearty protein invites advancement into meals, versatile in preparation from roasts to innovative bacon-wrapped tenderloins. Each flavorful portion doubles as a ritual of momentum, merging rich taste with symbolic strides toward ambitious goals. Embracing pork transforms feasts into declarations of forward fortune and abundant success.
9. Cakes And Doughnuts
Cakes and doughnuts bewitch world celebrations with hidden treasures and symbolic shapes, guaranteeing prosperity through whimsical rituals in Greece, Norway, and Sweden. A hidden coin in lemon cake in Greece rewards its discoverer with a year of prosperity; Nordic rice pudding conceals an almond for the same. Ring shapes represent unbroken continuity, guaranteeing wholeness and balanced cycles to come. From energetic strawberry poke to decadent red velvet, every confection marries delicious sweetness with lucky purpose. Savoring these desserts turns dessert into a festive call for luck, cohesion, and effortless good fortune.
Key Highlights:
- Cakes conceal luck treasures
- Greek coin vows wealth
- Nordic almond usher in fortune
- Rings represent continuation
- Represents year full circle
- Experiment with poke, carrot, velvet
Cakes and doughnuts bewitch international celebrations with treasures nested within and symbolic shapes, foretelling prosperity through joyous rituals in Greece, Norway, and Sweden. In Greece, a hidden coin within lemon cake bestows its discoverer with a year’s wealth; Nordic rice pudding contains an almond for the same. Ring shapes represent uninterrupted continuity, guaranteeing wholeness and peaceful cycles to come. From strawberry poke’s bright strawberry color to red velvet’s deep red hue, every confection couples delicious sweetness with luck-promoting intent. Enjoying these sweets turns dessert into a celebratory calling down of good fortune, harmony, and uninterrupted good luck.
Cake Doughnuts
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Deep Heavy Skillet or Deep-Fryer Capable of holding 2 quarts of oil safely
- 1 Doughnut Cutters 3-inch round cutter and a smaller cutter for holes
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Large Resealable Bag For coating doughnuts
Ingredients
Main
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg beaten
- ¼ cup butter melted and cooled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 quarts oil for deep frying
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup white sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg, butter, and vanilla. Mix until well blended. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Heat oil in a deep heavy skillet or deep-fryer to 370 degrees F (185 degrees C). On a floured board, roll chilled dough out to 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 3 inch round cutter to cut out doughnuts. Use a smaller cutter to cut holes from center. If you do not have a small cutter, use the mouth of a bottle.
- Fry doughnuts in hot oil until golden brown, turning once. Remove from oil to drain on paper plates. Combine the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar in a large resealable bag. Place a few warm donuts into the bag at a time, seal and shake to coat.
Notes
10. Grapes And/Or Raisins
Grapes kindle a beloved Portuguese and Spanish tradition of midnight munchies that consists of twelve timed bits one for each month of prophecy mixed with anticipation at New Year’s stroke. Grapes’ flavor predicts each month’s luck: sweet ensures happiness, sour warns of adversity, converting celebration into food for divination. Rich with health and symbolism, this dynamic tradition welcomes prosperity in luscious balls. Savor fresh, in wine, or dried, each bite a healthy container of fortune and energy. Cultivating grapes at midnight celebrates health and a year full of flavorful destiny.
Key Highlights:
- Twelve grapes per months
- Consumed at midnight
- Taste determines monthly fortune
- Portugal, Spain tradition
- Wholesome, multi-purpose snack
- Fresh, wine, or raisins
Grapes spark an old, beloved midnight custom in Portugal and Spain, where twelve carefully measured bites one for every month mingle expectation with prediction at New Year’s stroke. The taste of each grape predicts the fortune of each month: sweet foretells happiness, sour portends challenge, making celebration a culinary divination. This dynamic custom combines health with symbolism, summoning good fortune in succulent spheres. Eat them fresh, in wine, or dried as raisins, each bite a healthy container of luck and energy. Cultivating grapes at midnight toasted health and a year full of flavorful destiny.
11. Greens
Leafy greens appear as green prosperity talismans in cultures, their green color ringed in money to call forth economic prosperity. In the South, collard greens emulate Confederate greenbacks, turning plates into promises of riches; Denmark insists on steamed kale for the same luck-filled green-for-green exchange. Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard add their voices to the chorus, merging strong nutrition with symbolic wealth. Eating these energetic leaves combines health and fortune, every bite a conscious choice towards riches. Adopting greens converts healthy meals into economic optimism rituals, demonstrating vitality and prosperity emanate from the same earth.
Key Highlights:
- Greens are symbols of prosperity
- Collards emulate Confederate currency
- Southern US prosperity mainstay
- Denmark: fortune is what kale brings
- Spinach, chard bring luck
- Healthy, financially lucky
Leafy greens become green talismans of prosperity throughout the world, their lush colors resonating currency to invoke financial prosperity. In the South, collard greens mirror Confederate greenbacks, converting plates into promises of good fortune; Denmark heightens cooked kale for the same promising green-for-green exchange. Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard join the refrain, combining hearty nutrition with symbolic wealth. Consuming these colorful leaves unites health with prosperity, each bite a thoughtful advance toward plenty. Adopting greens converts wholesome meals into ceremonies of economic optimism, demonstrating vigor and wealth sprout from the same earth.
Skillet Gnocchi with Chard and White Beans
Equipment
- 1 Large Nonstick Skillet with lid
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Heat-Resistant Spatula
Ingredients
Main
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 16 ounce package shelf-stable gnocchi (see Tip)
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup water
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chopped chard leaves or spinach
- 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings
- 1 15 ounce can white beans, rinsed
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add gnocchi; cook, stirring often, until plumped and starting to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
- Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the skillet. Add onion; cook and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes. Stir in water and garlic, cover, and cook until onion is soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chard; cook and stir until starting to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, beans, and black pepper; bring to a simmer. Stir in gnocchi; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook until cheeses are melted and sauce is bubbling, about 3 minutes.
Notes
12. Oranges
Oranges radiate as bright symbols of prosperity, round, golden wedges imitating coins to call forth prosperity in global traditions. In the Philippines, thirteen pieces beckon abundance; in Europe and the United States, twelve are consistent with months, every bite a vow for year-round financial prosperity. This citrus ceremony infuses life with sugary luck and colorful symbolism. Versatile and invigorating, oranges radiate plain, candied, in crispy chicken, on salads, or juiced each tangy bite a tasty vector of luck and energy. Enjoying oranges turns mundane moments into parties of possible riches.
Key Highlights:
- Oranges are like golden coins
- Represent wealth, prosperity
- Philippines: 13 pieces
- Europe/US: 12 months
- Versatile: peels, chicken, juice
- Juicy fortune tokens
Oranges shine as beaming symbols of prosperity, their spherical, golden wedges duplicating coins to call forth riches in world cultures. In the Philippines, thirteen pieces usher in abundance; in Europe and America, twelve correspond to months, each mouthful a vow for twelve-month economic increase. This citrus ceremony adds felicity to life with sugary fortune and colorful symbolism. Versatile and refreshing, oranges sparkle plain, candied, in crispy chicken, on salads, or juiced each tangy bite a tasty delivery system for luck and energy. Enjoying oranges makes moments of everyday life celebrations of possible wealth.
Sparkling Orange Wheels
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Sharp Knife for thin, even slices
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Small Shallow Dish for sparkling sugar
- 1 Serving Platter
Ingredients
Main
- 1 small orange
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Sparkling sugar
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and dry the small orange.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the orange into very thin, uniform rounds, approximately 1/8-inch thick. Remove any seeds.
- Pour the light corn syrup into a small bowl.
- Spread the sparkling sugar evenly on a shallow plate or dish.
- One by one, lightly brush both sides of each orange slice with a thin, even layer of corn syrup using a pastry brush.
- Immediately place each corn syrup-coated orange slice onto the plate with sparkling sugar. Gently press and turn to ensure both sides are completely covered with the sugar.
- Carefully lift the sugar-coated orange wheels and gently shake off any excess sugar.
- Arrange the finished sparkling orange wheels on a serving platter or use them immediately as a garnish for desserts, cocktails, or a charcuterie board.
- For best results, serve shortly after preparation to maintain their crisp, sparkling texture.
- If preparing slightly ahead, store loosely covered at room temperature for a short period, avoiding refrigeration which can make them sticky.
Notes
13. Tamales
Mexican’s special gift to the world of lucky foods, tamales encase fortune in hot maize husks, their flavorful fillings a ritual call to good fortune during celebratory times. Born of community hands folding custom and expectation, every tamale ties family, heritage, and mutual optimism for prosperity to come. Bigger than food, they represent cultural pride and shared desire in every mouthful. Complemented with hominy, the pair raises flavor and symbolism, transforming meals into rich celebrations of good fortune. Eating tamales caps an international banquet of auspicious foods, leaving palates and tomorrows richly blessed.
Key Highlights:
- Tamales represent good luck
- Mexican celebratory mainstay
- Wrapped in maize husks
- Traditional communal preparation
- Hominy paired
- Wraps up good fortune tour
Tamales, Mexico’s precious gift to the world of fortune cuisine, wrap luck in steaming husks of maize, their delicious fillings a communal invitation to fortune on celebratory days. Born of mutual hands folding tradition and hope, each tamale ties family, heritage, and shared hope for fortune to come. More than a meal, they are cultural pride and communal aspiration between every bite. Paired with hominy, this duo elevates flavor and symbolism, turning meals into vibrant celebrations of luck. Savoring tamales concludes a global feast of auspicious foods, leaving taste buds and futures richly blessed.
Real Homemade Tamales
Equipment
- 1 Dutch Oven For simmering pork
- 1 Blender For chile sauce
- 1 Fine-mesh Sieve For straining chile sauce
- 1 Steamer Basket For cooking tamales; fits into a large pot
- 2 Large Mixing Bowls For masa dough and soaking husks
Ingredients
Main
- 1 ¼ pounds pork loin
- 1 large onion halved
- 1 clove garlic
- 4 dried chile peppers such as guajillo or ancho
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 8 ounce package dried corn husks
- ⅔ cup lard
- 1 10.5 ounce can beef broth, or as needed
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- To make the filling: Place pork, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven. Add enough water to cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until pork is cooked through and tender, about 2 hours. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- Meanwhile, to make the chile sauce: Use rubber gloves to remove stems and seeds from chiles. Place chiles in a saucepan with 2 cups water. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- Transfer softened chiles and cooking water to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and stir in salt. Discard the solids left in the strainer. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- Remove pork from the pot. Discard onion and garlic. Shred pork using two forks and mix in 1 cup chile sauce. Reserve remaining chile sauce for serving. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA Recipe Tip Reserve 1 cup of the pork broth to use instead of canned beef broth when making the dough.
- Prepare husks and dough: Soak corn husks in a bowl of warm water until softened, about 30 minutes. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- While the husks are soaking, beat lard with 1 tablespoon broth until fluffy. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- Combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl; stir into the lard mixture, adding more broth as needed to form a soft, spongy dough. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- Remove husks from water and pat dry. Spread about 2 tablespoons masa dough onto the center of each husk about ¼ inch thick, leaving a 1-inch border on the sides and top. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- Spoon 1 tablespoon pork filling over dough. Fold sides of husk toward the center, then fold up the bottom to seal. Repeat with remaining husks, dough, and filling. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover with a damp towel or extra husks. Steam until dough is firm and pulls away easily from husks, about 1 hour. ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- Remove tamales from husks. Drizzle with remaining chile sauce and top with sour cream (or stir sour cream into chile sauce for a creamy sauce). ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
- Serve hot with your favorites sides. Enjoy! ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
