Every year when I was growing up, my mother force fed us black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. What can I say? We're southern and it's a tradition thing. It's supposed to bring you good luck for the upcoming year. But, what eating 'dirt peas' has anything to do with a new year or good luck... escapes me entirely.

The peas were often straight from a can and without any seasoning of any kind. Usually served on the side of some sort of ham. While my mother enjoyed the out dated and rather odd tradition... the rest of us could barely stomach the one spoonful a year which we struggled down just to put a smile on my mom's pretty face. Love you, mom!