My family's tradition is corned beef,cabbage and cornbread. Used to cook it with one shiny new dime - was good luck for the year for whoever found it. At supper tonight I asked Mom if there was a dime to look for. She said the way metal in coins have changed, she was afraid to do it. Afraid of lead, mostly.

Where I live now, in North Carolina, the traditional New Year meal is "beans and greens", meaning black-eyed peas and collard greens.

I'd go for pinto beans and kale, mustard or turnip greens, but will pass on the black-eyed peas and collards.

I'll take good cornbread any time and anywhere I can!