Hoppin John

Hoppin' John is a peas and rice dish originated in the Southern United States, made with black-eyed peas and rice, chopped onion, sliced bacon, and seasoned with salt. Some people substitute ham hock, fatback, or country sausage for true bacon. Green peppers or vinegar and spices can also be used for a healthier alternative.  Eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day is thought to bring a prosperous year filled with luck. Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, chard, kale, cabbage etc. along with this dish are supposed to add to the wealth since their colour resembles that of currency. Another traditional food, cornbread, can also be served to represent wealth, being the same hue as gold. On the day after New Year's Day, leftover "Hoppin' John" is called "Skippin' Jenny," and further demonstrates one's frugality, bringing a hope for an even better chance of prosperity in the New Year.