I eat this dish every New Year's Day. It is the very first food I eat just after midnight. It's supposed to bring me luck, and although I have had many ups and downs in my life, I must say life has been pretty good. Even though this is traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day, you can enjoy these recipes year-round — who knows; Hoppin’ John might bring you extra luck every time you enjoy it.

Hoppin’ John is one of those classic Southern dishes that comes with as many versions, stories and flavors as there are cooks.

At its core, however, Hoppin’ John is rice, black-eyed peas (or field peas), ham and onions. Black-eyed peas are supposed to bring you luck if you eat them on New Year’s Day, and it is traditionally eaten with greens.

A staple in the Southern diet for over 300 years, black-eyed peas have long been associated with good luck. A dish of peas is a New Year's tradition in most areas of the South, thought to bring luck and prosperity for the New Year. Greens, which symbolize folded money, are often eaten with the peas, which represent coins.

Cornbread, often served with black-eyed peas and greens, represents gold.

For the best chance of luck everyday in the year ahead, one must eat at least 365 black-eyed peas on New Year's Day.

Black-eyed peas eaten with stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health.

Adding a shiny dime to the pot just before serving is a tradition I was introduced to years ago when we first moved to the Atlanta, Ga. area.

When served, the person whose bowl contains the dime receives the best luck for the New Year, unless of course, the recipient swallows the coin, which would be a rather unlucky day.

So, I would like to offer you a hot plate of Hoppin’ John. May we all enjoy its good luck in 2013. Happy New Year, readers!

Crock-Pot Black-Eyed Peas

Ingredients

• 1 pound frozen black-eyed peas
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion thinly sliced or diced
• 6 ounces diced ham
• 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

Serve with cornbread and greens on New Year’s Day.

Crock-Pot Greens

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 meaty ham bone
• 1 ½ cups chopped onion
• 1-pound package of frozen greens (collard, mustard or turnip greens)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

Serve on New Year’s Day.

From the scriptures

Almost all books in the Bible contain references to foods. Luke 4:4 says, “It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Reading the Bible will supply you with spiritual food the same way that cooking and consuming food supplies your body with physical food.