Ring in the New Year With a Culinary Ritual

Try something new as we say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021.

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Many cultures celebrate with specific foods. One of the most common groups is the legume. In Italy, lentils are considered a symbol of prosperity (they resemble a Roman coin) and are eaten with a pork sausage called cotechino (pictured above). In the American South, folks eat black-eyed peas – said to bring good luck in the year ahead.   

In countries such as Austria, Portugal and Cuba, pigs are a sign of wealth and good fortune, so eating pork ribs, chops and roast suckling pig are a common custom.  

If you prefer something sweet, try the Swedish practice of serving rice pudding with a hidden almond inside. If you find the almond, you’re assured to have good luck in the 12 months ahead.  


 

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This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine‘s December issue.

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Ann Christenson has covered dining for Milwaukee Magazine since 1997. She was raised on a diet of casseroles that started with a pound of ground beef and a can of Campbell's soup. Feel free to share any casserole recipes with her.