Whether you are hoping for a new job, a new relationship or better health, how would you feel if you could influence your luck - with what you eat?
In many cultures, traditional foods are eaten as a symbol of good fortune. Jim Andresen, GFS Marketplace (www.gfs.com/en) Food Expert, came into our ABC7 studio to show us a few "good luck foods."
Examples:
Longevity - Asian countries: eat long noodles; don't break the noodle once it's in your mouth
Round cakes and other baked goods: round shape signifies coins or money (in Italy, Poland, Hungary and the Netherlands: donut-like treats)
Don'ts:
Lobster - they move backwards and could lead to setbacks.
Chicken - the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past
Anything with wings - good luck could fly away
1. Round Fruits: prosperity
- the round shape signifies coins
- Philippines: eat 13 grapes (a lucky number in the Philippines) at midnight
- U.S. & Europe: eat 12 grapes - one for each month of the year.
2. Lentils and Black Eyed Peas: prosperity, good fortune
- Black-eyed peas: Southern U.S., esp. when served with collard greens
- Lentils: Italy; look like tiny coins, represent economic prosperity
3. Pork: progress
- Cuba, Spain, Portugal, Hungary and Austria
- Rich in fat, move forward when scavenging for food
4. Corn Bread: prosperity
- color resembles gold
- some people add extra corn kernels to symbolize golden nuggets
5. Cabbage: luck and fortune
- Germany, Ireland, parts of the U.S.
- it is green and resembles money
- belief has it, the more you eat, the more prosperous you'll be
Recipes:
BBQ and Sweet Corn Bread Bake
Ingredients:
1 pan GFS Sweet Corn Bake (or own recipe)
½ pan Southern Style Pulled Pork (or own recipe)
Instructions:
In a 9x13 pan, spread half a pan of pulled pork and top with a pan of sweet corn bake.
Heat per package instructions, until firm.
Stuffed Cabbage Delights
Ingredients:
GFS Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Sauce (or own recipe)
¼ cup Mushrooms
1 Tbsp Scallions
¼ cup Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions:
Heat stuffed cabbage rolls according to package.
Place in an oven-able dish, cover with sauce from the original pan and top with sliced mushrooms, scallions, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Broil or bake until cheese is melted and/or browned.
