New Year’s Day in New Orleans

It’s a New Orleans New Year’s Day holiday so I’m taking a holiday from wallcoverings and Casart Coverings. Instead, I’m putting on my apron and going to the kitchen to grab my recipe for cabbage casserole.

Everyone has holiday traditions and my family is no exception. On January 1^st we always have ham, black-eyed peas (not the musical group) and rice, cabbage and cornbread. The black-eyed peas, or Hoppin’ John, are to bring good luck, the cabbage leaves resemble paper money and assure there will always be money in the house. Black-eyed peas, because of their shape and abundance were compared to coins and eating the “coins” symbolized gaining wealth.

Supposedly the tradition of eating them began in the south during the Civil War. General Sherman had completed his march to the sea and had pillaged and left nothing behind for the people to eat. His army took livestock and food items but left black-eyed peas. The people ate the peas and didn’t starve; therefore they considered the peas brought them good fortune. Pigs symbolize progress and always push and root forward. The color of the cornbread is gold. The ham and the cornbread go well with the peas and the cabbage. Years ago, I discovered this recipe for cabbage that is fool-proof and good and I don’t even like cabbage!

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

1 medium head cabbage

¾ tsp. celery salt

4 Tbs.butter ½ tsp. garlic salt

2 Tbs. flour ½ tsp. salt

2 Tbs. finely chopped onion

6 oz. roll jalapeno cheese spread

½ cup evaporated milk

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

½ cup pot liquor

red pepper to taste

½ tsp. black pepper

buttered bread crumbs for topping

Cut cabbage into shreds, cover with water and cook until tender. Drain, but reserve ½ cup liquid (pot liquor). Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat and blend in flour gradually until smooth. Add chopped onion and cook until tender. Add reserved liquid slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in evaporated milk. Cook over low heat until thick and smooth, stirring constantly. Add seasonings, cheese (cut into small pieces) and stir until cheese is thoroughly melted and blended into sauce. Combine with cabbage in casserole dish; top with buttered bread crumbs. Heat in moderate 325-350 degree oven until hot and bubbly. Serves 6-8

My family and I hope 2010 will bring a wealth of good fortune to you and your family.

-Lorre Lei