These two foods are a staples in our house and God forbid, we go without on New Years Day! *wink*wink* In the south you eat collard greens on NY's Day to bring you $$$$ for the upcoming year and black eyed peas for luck.
Collards are easy to make. Here's the run down.
Get your greens. Chop them about a square inch.
In a pot put about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of sea salt and 4 to 5 strips of bacon. Saute the bacon until it is soft. Put in your greens and cover with water. Pour in about 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar. Boil on high for about 10-15 minutes and then turn down to low. These need to cook slowly for about 2 plus hours...the slower and longer you cook them the better. Always make sure you have enough water ;)
Salt to taste and add more vinegar if you would like.
I usually make these with white rice, black eye peas, biscuits and fried chicken!
Have a lucky and money filled 2011!