New Years Eve Traditions and Superstitions

                                         With a Story of the Red Underpants

I  have an inquisitive mind when it comes to food and human behavior. I'm sure it's why I find such delight in travel, cuisine and, soulful conversation. Words are influential and thought-provoking. Life experiences become part of our DNA.

Christmas is over, no remaining gifts under the tree. Yesterday was Boxing Day, a British tradition observed on December 26th. Boxing day originated as a day off for household servants to see their families and exchange gifts. Nowadays, it is a legal holiday in Great Britain. In my opinion, it is a handsome idea. It is impossible to visit with loved ones all in one day. I would vote to implement this as a legal holiday here in the United States.

It is now two days past Christmas, the magic bubble of festivity deflating; my body is begging for mercy. My gluttony mirrors Roman feasting. I borrow recipes from my ancestors that conjure up feelings of comfort, and, yes, some that remind me of loss. It's challenging to figure out what to prepare for New Year's Eve dinner that we haven't already indulged in over the past few days.

Hungry for more than food, I am starved by the inability to travel. Covid 19 is still a war we continue to fight. Needing a change of atmosphere, I click on my computer to look at photos. Visually I travel down memory lane through the hills of Tuscany and the medieval town of San Gimignano, southwest of Florence. I  find a picture of a pair of red panties hanging outside an apartment window. For me, the color red evokes thoughts of love, passion, good luck, fertility, and a royal "kiss-off" to the evil eye. I wonder what reason l'inquilino hung the panties? Maybe all of the above?

Upon further investigation, I learn that the custom of wearing red undergarments began in the middle ages, red signifying prosperity for the upcoming year—this tradition is practiced by both men and women alike. Yes, boxer shorts and long johns count, so do all the rationales I initially assumed were the reason for the red panties.

Moving forward, what would a discussion of Italy be without food? Typically, the Italians eat lentils with sausage on December 31st. The significance of lentils is their coin-like shape, representative of luck and prosperity. Sausages are rich and fatty and are a sign of wealth and health. Pigs also root forward, showing evolvement as we move onto a new year. This year I presume we are all anxious to move on.

New Year's Eve will be just the two of us. I will prepare lentils, sausages, and homemade bread—a return to simplicity, I like the significance. We will drink a deep velvety Amarone with our meal and indulge in French Champagne at midnight. We will pray for those lost to coronavirus and toast to all of us who survive with hope and gratitude. In a world where we all struggle, we must celebrate the small pleasures in life. Thank you, my loyal readers, for strolling with me through the weeds we deem as edible flowers!

Felice Anno Nuovo (Italian)

Bonne anee (French)

Happy New Year (English)

                                      Recipe for Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup

Serves:  6 to 8 as a main course

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian Sausage, casings removed (buy good quality)

1 large onion, chopped

3 stalks celery, finely chopped

2 large carrots, chopped

7 cups chicken stock (preferably homemade

28 ounce can of San Marzano DOP plum tomatoes, crushed

3 garlic cloves

2 teaspoons salt

2 cups dry lentils

Ground black pepper

Crushed red pepper flakes

Fresh chopped basil

Fresh chopped parsley

Thyme

Directions:

1.       Heat a large, heavy Dutch oven. Break up the sausage meat and saute until browned and crumbly. When cooked, drain off the excess fat and then add 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

2.       Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots to the sausage mixture. Cook together for about 3 minutes.

3.       Add the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, salt, red pepper, basil, parsley, and thyme. Bring the soup to a slow boil, and then add the lentils. Cook for approximately 60 minutes or until lentils are tender.  (If soup becomes too thick, add additional chicken stock or water)

Serving Suggestions:

This soup becomes a complete meal paired with a simple Arugula salad dressed with sea salt, EVOO, lemon juice, and garnished with parmesan shavings.

Check out my simple no-knead bread recipe on the blog. It cooks up crusty with a tender inside the dough. Dip in seasoned oil or use to dip in the soup.

Dessert? Check out my recipe for Ricotta Torta with Pistacchio and Chocolate. Torta can be prepared two days ahead. Don't feel like baking? Try my simple recipe for purchased vanilla ice cream with Luxardo cherries.