Lucky Greens Flatbread Pizza
Greens, which share the same shade as money, are said to bring prosperity in the New Year. I had a big bag of kale in the fridge so I decided to get creative and turn it into a topping for a tasty flatbread pizza.
For my bread, I used garlic naan (bought at Aldi). For the toppings, I steamed some kale and stirred it with some mayo and shredded cheese. A very beloved restaurant in my hometown has a signature cheesy bread that incorporates shredded cheese and mayo. So I used this as a jumping off point and added the greens.
A few minutes under the broiler and it's bubbly and ready to enjoy! You could use other toppings too, but make sure to have some greens (spinach, chard, arugula, or whatever you like).
Mini Bagels with Dill Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon
Some superstitions point to eating food with a hole in the middle for good luck in the New Year. It may be because they represent the circle of life, the way things flow from the end of one year to the beginning of another.
This year I'm incorporating mini bagels as my ring shaped food, and this option would make a great evening appetizer as well as a midnight snack or addition to your New Year's Day brunch.
First I added some dried dill to plain cream cheese. This will add lots of flavor that complements the salmon. Then you'll need the bagels, smoked salmon and whatever else you like to add to this combination. Capers are a popular option for some people, a' la Bobby Hill.
Black Eyed Pea Bruschetta
In year's past, I've made black eyed pea burgers, black eyed pea hummus, and just good ol' fashioned black eyed peas, but this year I'm making a tasty and simple appetizer....black eyed pea bruschetta.
Black eyed peas are a traditional southern New Year's food, because they also symbolize prosperity and good luck. I'll take some of both in 2019 if you please!
Start with a can of black eyed peas and drain. Then drain a can of diced tomatoes and stir in some chopped basil and parsley. Mix in a bit of store-bought olive tapenade or chopped olives.
Spoon a bit of this mixture onto toast rounds and top with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Delicious!
Wishing you and the ones you hold dear lots of good luck, health and happiness in the coming year!
