Ring In the New Year with This Lucky Dinner Hoppin’ John This Southern dish, which dates back to the 19th century, is served on New Year’s Day in homes across the country. Featuring black-eyed peas, a type of bean, each serving provides an excellent source of fiber. According to AICR’s landmark report on diet and cancer prevention, there is probable evidence that foods containing dietary fiber can reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer. When preparing this spicy and colorful side dish, it is customary to bury a dime among the black-eyed peas before serving. According to tradition, whoever receives the coin is assured good luck throughout the year. Ingredients 1 cup uncooked brown rice 2 cups water 1 large clove garlic, lightly smashed 1 bay leaf 2 (15 oz.) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained 1 medium onion, chopped 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced (optional) 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves 3/4 tsp. ground cumin Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 green onions, sliced Preparation In a large, heavy pan, cook the rice in the water with the garlic and bay leaf for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Add the black-eyed peas, onion, tomatoes (and their juices), red and green bell peppers, celery, jalapeno pepper, thyme, cumin, salt and pepper. Cover and cook for another 10 to 20 minutes, adding an additional 1/4-cup water if necessary, until the rice is tender and the vegetables have released their liquid. Stir in the sliced green onion. Serve with hot sauce, if desired. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan and whisk in the flour. Do not let it get dark. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of the scallop liquid and mix until blended. Over very low heat, blend the flour mixture into the scallop liquid. Add the cream and simmer and stir until blended and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the scallops and mushrooms, and stir. Makes 10 servings, 1 cup per serving. Per serving: 150 calories, 1.5 g total fat (0 g saturated fat), 29 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein, 5 g dietary fiber, 160 mg sodium.