Whether you are a traditionalist and insist on a ham hock or a modern hipster cooking with just some aromatics and sea salt, eating Black Eyed Peas on the first day of the year is one of the best gifts of the south. And frankly, this country can use a little luck this year!

A type of cowpea, Black Eyed Peas are believed to be native to Africa. They became an important food source in the American South sometime during the 17th or 18th centuries and at some point, they became a traditional good luck meal on New Year's Day.