Happy New Year From CulinaryWoman!

Wishing you a delicious and healthy start to 2025

Today marks the start of 2025. In Scotland and the U.K., there’s a tradition called “First Footing.” The first person who walks across your threshold — called the “first foot” — will set the tone for the year. 

First Footing gifts include a coin, a dram of whiskey, a lump of coal, or shortbread. There’s also a tradition for Scottish couples that the first foot who enters your home is the person you will marry. Lots of engagements take place on New Year’s Day.

Here in the States, many Southern cooks are preparing Hoppin’ John, a traditionally African-American dish made from field peas or black-eyed peas, greens, rice, and flavored with a ham hock. The peas represent coins and the greens represent currency.

Of course, people use New Year’s Day to think about health and fitness. I’m definitely someone who uses the restart to think about my eating and exercise habits.

I’m going to make a run at Veganuary this year, although in my case the emphasis will be on the “veg” rather than the “vegan.” I’m not sure I’m going to get through the month without seafood or cheese, but I’m making an effort to avoid eating meat.

Lots of people try Dry January. For me, every January is now Dry January, since I recently celebrated my fifth sober anniversary.

The wide variety of alcohol free spirits, wines, beers and mixed drinks makes it easier than ever to avoid booze for a month - or a week, or a day. Any effort is a good start. I spotted this NA beverage at Trader Joe and for $1.99, it’s not bad.

Whether you are doing anything different to begin the year, or simply writing the new date, I wish you a terrific 2025. Thank you for being a CulinaryWoman subscriber, and see you this Sunday with some tasty discoveries to kick off 2025.