For Luck

The first day of the new year--it's rife with hopes and dreams, anticipation and promise. What better way to start a new year than with a warm, comfort-food meal meant to bring good luck?

Hoppin' John

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup diced onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1-inch thick slice smoked pork, or 3/4 cup diced ham (optional)

3 cups water

pinch ground allspice

pinch ground cloves

pinch cayenne pepper

1, 20-ounce package frozen black-eyed peas

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tomato, diced

4 scallions, sliced in 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces

3 cups cooked rice

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in oil until onion begins to turn translucent. Add pork/ham and water and bring to boil. Add allspice, cloves, cayenne, peas, salt, and pepper. When the peas return to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer until peas are done, at least half an hour. Longer simmering will produce a more flavorful dish with thicker broth.

Serve over rice, garnished with tomato and scallions. Sauteed cabbage is a great vegetable accompaniment.

Vegetarian Note: If you wish to make Hoppin' John without meat, omit the pork from the recipe. Increase the salt to 3/4 teaspoon and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Grated, smoked cheddar cheese is a delicious garnish, in addition to the tomatoes and scallions.