Ring in the New Year With These Lucky New Year’s Foods

New Year’s Eve is almost here, and people everywhere have fun traditions and superstitions about what to eat to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Let’s explore some of the most popular lucky New Year’s foods from around the world!

Why Do People Eat Lucky Foods on New Year’s?

Eating specific “lucky” foods on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day is thought to influence what the new year will bring. Many of these foods represent hopes for the future through their shape, color, or other attributes. For example, round or coin-shaped foods symbolize wealth, greens represent money, and pork signifies progress.

12 Lucky Grapes

Eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve is a tradition in Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries. The 12 grapes represent the 12 months of the year. Some people make a wish while eating each grape for the months ahead! Many cultures eat twelve grapes on New Year’s Eve: each represents the chime of a clock/or one for each month of the year…some people even make a wish for each grape.

Round fruits

Round fruit brings good fortune since they are round like coins, and their sweetness is thought to bring good things in the New Year. Check out New Years Lucky Foods Shopping List for a complete list of fruits.

Beans for Coins

Legumes like beans and lentils are thought to represent coins. Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day has long been good luck in the American South. Black Eyed Peas & Lentil Recipes. In Italy, lentils signify prosperity for the new year. Their round shape and abundance help explain the coin connection. All types of beans are said to bring good luck. In the South, eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s is said to bring good fortune. In many European countries, green lentils are famous as they are green, representing the color of money.

Greens for Money

Because of their color, cooked greens like collard greens, kale, cabbage, and Swiss chard are said to attract wealth in the new year. Some believe eating more greens equals more greenbacks! Spinach is another healthy green option with supposed lucky properties. Some believe the more greens you eat on the 1st, the more money you will have in the coming year.

Pork for Progress

On New Year’s Day, pork is a better protein pick than chicken or beef because pigs root forward when foraging for food. This signifies moving forward into the new year (we all want to move forward, not backward in the New Year!). Consider serving ham, pork chops, bacon, or hoppin’ John, the traditional Southern dish of black-eyed peas and rice with pork. If you are the cook in the house, consider putting pork, ham, or bacon in your black-eyed peas or lentils for added flavor. Great recipe: Cuban Tamales Recipes with pork. Fish is also a good choice, but not lobster, as, again, they move backward.

Fish for Strides

Fish can be another symbolic New Year’s protein because they generally swim forward. Just steer clear of shellfish like lobster and crab, which move backward and could represent setbacks. Having fish on New Year’s Eve is an Italian and Polish tradition for good luck.

Long Noodles for Long Life

In Chinese culture, long noodles represent longevity for the coming year. Popular lucky New Year’s noodle dishes include lo mein in Chinese cuisine and soba noodles in Japan. Slurping up the extra-long noodles is part of the tradition!

Cornbread and Molasses

Enjoying cornbread and molasses on New Year’s Day originates from the American colonial era. The golden color of cornbread gives a nod to prosperity, as does the sweetness and richness of molasses. The two foods together still make a beloved and supposedly lucky combination!

Pomegranates for Fertility and Life

As a symbol of life and fertility with their plentiful seeds, pomegranates are a New Year’s tradition in Turkey and parts of Europe. Their bright red color also connects to health and vitality for the future. The round shape is a bonus representing fortune and wholeness.

As the clock strikes midnight and toasts are made to the coming days, know that the menu also matters! Pork, beans, greens, fish, grapes, and more—each food outlined here overflows with myth and meaning to kick off your ne

Did we miss any New Years lucky foods?

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We can help you plan your New Years Lucky Foods Shopping List and New Year Lucky Things to Do – New Year’s Eve Traditions

Following are some New Year’s food traditions:

Hoppin’ John (American South)

In the American South, the dish called “Hoppin’ John” contains black-eyed peas (representing coins), rice, collard greens (symbolizing cash), and cornbread (the color of gold). Eating this dish on New Year’s Day supposedly brings economic luck in the coming year. Black Eyed Peas & Lentil Recipes

What is Hoppin’ John exactly? Hoppin’ John is a pork-flavored stew made with field or black-eyed peas, rice, onion, bacon, and seasonings. Some recipes also include ham hocks or sausage. The peas and rice swell as they cook, making quite a hearty casserole-type dish. Pork-flavored field peas or black-eyed peas (symbolizing coins) and rice, served with collards or other cooked greens (the color of money) and cornbread (the color of gold), are said to bring good luck in the new year. New Years Lucky Colors 2024

Twelve Grapes (Spain and Latin America)

In Spain and many Latin American countries, a tradition involves eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight – one grape for each chime of the clock bell in the New Year. Most major city squares in Spain have clock towers – the most famous being Puerta del Sol in Madrid – where revelers gather to participate in the grape-eating countdown. This tradition is also popular in Cuba and South American countries as well. Lucky Fruits for New Years,

Where did the twelve grapes tradition originate? While the exact origin is unknown, the most likely source is early 20th century Alicante, Spain, when grape growers came up with the idea to help sell off extra grapes at New Year’s.

Tamales (Mexico)

Mexicans eat tamales on New Year’s for several reasons. First, making the tamales takes time and teamwork, which brings family and friends together. Also, different symbolic foods go inside each tamale, like coins, pepper, and salt, which are meant to predict the new year’s blessings. It is Corn dough stuffed with meat, cheese, and other additions and wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk. Cuban Tamales Recipes

How do you make tamales? Tamales consist of masa (corn dough) stuffed with savory or sweet fillings and wrapped in either corn husks or banana leaves. It takes a tamalada – a tamale-making party where groups of women each are in charge of one aspect of preparation.

Legumes (Brazil & Portugal)

In Brazil and Portugal, the tradition is to eat lentils, chickpeas, or fava beans on New Year’s Eve, also due to their round coin-like shape, which brings wealth and luck. Brazilians eat lentil soup, and snacking on roasted green chickpeas is popular in Portugal.

Oliebollen (Netherlands)

The Dutch eat oliebollen, or oil balls, on New Year’s Eve. They are doughnut-like dumplings, deep fried and then dusted with powdered sugar. Sales of oliebollen soar between Christmas and New Year’s Eve – they make great on-the-go snacks while partying!

Where does the name oliebollen come from? Oliebollen means “oil balls” – olie means oil, and bollen means balls. They are fritters containing dried fruit like raisins or apples, fried in oil.

Marzipan Pigs (Austria and Germany)

New Year’s Eve Sylvesterabend, or the event of Saint Sylvester. In Austria, revelers drink a red wine punch with cinnamon and spices, eat a suckling pig for dinner, and decorate the table with little pigs made of marzipan (Marzipanschwein or Glucksschwein). Good luck pigs are also common gifts throughout both countries. In Austria and Germany, marzipan pigs and lucky pigs made from chocolate or decoration bring good fortune. Other New Year’s Eve food traditions include:

• Red wine punch with spices like cinnamon
• Roast suckling pig dinner
• Chiacchiere – balls of fried dough dipped in honey and powdered sugar

Soba Noodles (Japan)

Families eat buckwheat soba noodles or toshikoshi soba at midnight on New Year’s Eve to bid farewell to the year gone by and welcome the year to come. The Japanese slurp buckwheat soba noodles called toshikoshi soba. The long noodles symbolize prosperity and longevity in the coming year.

What are mochitsuki parties? Friends and families in Japan also celebrate a custom called mochitsuki in the days before New Year’s Eve. They spend time together pounding mochi rice into soft, sweet, glutinous cakes, which they form into round balls and eat for dessert. The sweet rice is soaked, steamed, and pounded into a smooth mass. The guests take turns pinching off pieces to make into small buns eaten for dessert.

King Cakes (Greece, France, Mexico)

A New Year’s cake of many cultures. King cakes and related cakes appear in Greece (vasilopita), France (galette des rois), Mexico (Rosca de Reyes), Bulgarians (banitsa), and more. Most king cakes contain a hidden figurine or coin meant to bring luck to whoever finds it in their slice. Most cakes are eaten at midnight on New Year’s Eve, though some cultures cut the cake on Christmas or the Epiphany, January 6. While king cakes are more common at Epiphany in some cultures, they also tie into New Year’s celebrations. Foods That Bring Good Luck for New Years

Cotechino con Lenticchie (Italy)

The Italian New Year’s meal highlights a few lucky foods, including cotechino con lenticchie. Cotechino is a savory pork sausage served alongside lentils, representing prosperity and money due to its coin-like shape. Italians celebrate La Festa di San Silvestro with a traditional cotechino con lenticchie and zampone, a stuffed pig’s trotter. The meal ends with chiacchiere, balls of fried dough rolled in honey and powdered sugar. 

Lentil Soup (Italy)

Similar to their sausage and lentil dish, Italians often eat lentil soup called zuppa di lenticchie at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The lentils represent prosperity for the coming year. Sometimes, a small gift like a coin is buried at the bottom of the bowl to be discovered while eating.

Pickled Herring (Poland and Scandinavia)

Because herring has silver skin, it symbolizes prosperity for the coming year in Poland and Scandinavia. They are eaten at the stroke of midnight to bring a year of prosperity and bounty due to the silver coloring. Pickled herring fillets are served around midnight on New Year’s Eve or included in a smoked fish starter buffet. Some eat pickled herring in cream sauce, while others eat it with onions. A special Polish preparation is called Sledzie Marynowane, made by soaking whole salt herrings in water for 24 hours and then layering them in a jar with onions, allspice, sugar, and white vinegar. Scandinavians include herring in a large midnight smorgasbord with smoked pickled fish, pate, and meatballs. 

Kransekage Tower Cakes (Denmark and Norway)

Kransekage wreath cake towers are made from marzipan rings stacked on top of each other to form tall layer cakes decorated with ornaments. Danes may find an almond hidden inside their slice, while Norwegians include a bottle of wine or Aquavit liquor in the center. Kransekage means wreath cake.

12 Round Fruits (Philippines)

In the Philippines, the tradition is to have twelve round fruits sitting atop the dining table on New Year’s Eve to symbolize prosperity for each month. Popular fruits include oranges, apples, grapes, melons, and tomatoes!

Vasilopita Cake (Greece)

This Greek New Year’s cake contains a hidden coin or trinket that gives good fortune and blessings to whoever finds it in their slice. Saint Basil is said to have distributed coins in cake to people experiencing poverty on New Year’s Eve.

Pomegranates (Greece)

Another Greek New Year’s Eve custom involves breaking open a pomegranate at midnight and scattering the seeds around the house for prosperity and fertility all year. Pomegranates symbolize longevity.

As you can see, New Year’s food traditions vary from culture to culture but circle around similar symbolic themes. Foods That Bring Good Luck for the New Year. The underlying spirit remains the same no matter how you welcome the new year – spending quality time and sharing comfort foods with loved ones! New Year’s Lucky Foods

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The post New Years Food Traditions From Around the World appeared first on TasteForCooking.

Ring in 2024 with these traditional lucky foods to attract prosperity, love, and good fortune in the new year.

Why Do People Eat Specific Foods on New Year’s?

Eating certain foods on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day is thought to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Many of the traditional lucky foods have symbolic meanings or cultural significance. For example:

• Round foods represent coming full circle and continuing cycles.
• Fruits and vegetables rooted in the ground symbolize grounding and stability.
• Greens and seafood represent wealth and money.
• Pork and lentils represent prosperity.
• The whole fish symbolizes beginnings and endings.
• Certain spices, nuts, and seeds have various good luck associations.

These lucky foods vary across cultures, but many are seen again and again in traditions around the world. Keep reading for the most comprehensive guide to New Years lucky foods!

Here is our New Years Lucky Foods Shopping List:

Round Fruits & Vegetables

Round fruits for good luck: Round fruits and vegetables symbolize the cyclical nature of the New Year beginning again. Please keep in mind that all fruits are fine to use.  The round shape represents the ongoing nature of time and the year coming to a close or full circle, which is why there is a focus on eating round fruits. There are tons of options, but some top picks are:

• Fruits: oranges, grapes, apples, pears, pineapple, pomegranates, oranges, figs, pineapple, mango, lemon
• Vegetables: cabbage, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes

Slice and arrange your fruits beautifully on a platter for your NYE party or family feast.

Rooted Vegetables

Round vegetables & rooted vegetables for good luck: Root vegetables growing downwards in the earth are thought to ground you and provide stability for the new year. The same goes for vegetables. They are all fine, and none will bring bad luck, but for added luck, go with fruits that have a round shape or those that grow with roots to help ground you in the coming year.

Great options include:

• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Onions
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Radishes
• Turnips
• Parsnips
• Beets
• Yuca

Roast a medley of root veggies as a lucky side dish or appetizer. Add onions and garlic to any other dishes you’re cooking.

Greens

Leafy greens, especially those with green coloring, represent money, financial prosperity, and good fortune. Load up your table with the following:

• Spinach
• Kale
• Chard
• Lettuce
• Broccoli rabe
• Bok choy
• Collard greens

Saute greens in olive oil or cook a big pot of lucky greens soup or stew to share.

Proteins for Good Luck:

Pork & Ham

In many cultures, pork symbolizes prosperity, progress, and financial good luck for the new year. Pork dishes thought to attract wealth include:

• Baked ham
• Pork tenderloin
• Pork chops
• Pork roast
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Pork belly

If you don’t eat pork, other rich meats like Cornish game hens or lamb chops make acceptable substitutions. We are making Lucky Dumplings this year with pork!

Beans & Legumes

Many cultures eat black-eyed peas, lentils, or other beans on New Year’s for prosperity. Their round shape and ability to swell when cooked make beans symbolic of expanding financial growth. Options include:

• Black-eyed peas – Black Eyed Peas & Lentil Recipes
• Lentils
• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans
• Chickpeas

Simmer beans slowly with vegetables and broth for a well-rounded, lucky side. Spice it up by adding sausage or pork.

Fish & Seafood

Fish and seafood represent good luck for increasing wealth in the new year. Fatty fish like salmon that swim against currents demonstrate determination in overcoming hardship. A whole fish symbolizes the completion of a life cycle. Good choices are:

• Salmon
• Whole Red Snapper, trout or bass
• Shellfish like shrimp, clams, oysters or lobster

Grains & Starches

Grains like rice, quinoa, barley, and starchy sides like potatoes represent an abundant, prosperous year to come. Build your menu with:

• Rice
• Risotto
• Quinoa
• Potatoes
• Bread
• Cornbread
• Pasta
• Noodles

Serve an assortment of grains family-style so guests can fill their plates with these symbols of plenty.

Desserts & Sweets

Ring-shaped or spherical desserts and baked goods resemble the cyclical nature of the new year. Other desserts use lucky ingredients like fruits and nuts. The top options are:

• Donuts
• Bagels
• Cinnamon Buns
• Fritters
• Dumplings
• Olives
• Fruit pies & tarts
• Dried fruit
• Nuts like almonds & walnuts

A DIY dessert bar with an assortment of cookies, small cakes, pies, nuts, and chocolates hits all the right notes!

Spices & Seasonings

Certain herbs, spices, oils, and vinegars are considered lucky New Years foods across cultures:

• Basil – for prosperity
• Nutmeg – good health & fortune
• Cinnamon – success
• Cloves – attracting money
• Garlic – wisdom & strength
• Ginger – success & power
• Pomegranate seeds – fertility & abundance
• Olive oil – peace & happiness
• Balsamic vinegar – sweetness in the new year

Cook your New Years feast with lucky herbs and spices blended into each dish. And offer a signature cocktail with olive oil and balsamic!

New Year’s Lucky Foods By Region

Some lucky New Year’s foods are specific to certain cultures and ethnic traditions. Here are a few examples:

American South

• Black-eyed peas, rice, cornbread, collard greens, ham hocks

Brazil

• Lentils, rice, raisins, fish, champagne

Japan

• Toshikoshi soba noodles, dried persimmons

Philippines

• Sticky rice cakes

Spain

• Grapes, marzipan, turrón nougat

Shop Early!

The most important thing when prepping your New Year’s menu is ensuring you do all your shopping ahead of time! Since many cultures consider it bad luck to use knives, cook, clean, or do laundry on Jan 1st, get everything chopped, prepped, and ready to throw in the oven before midnight strikes on New Year’s Eve! Foods That Bring Good Luck for New Years

We hope these ideas help you ring in an abundant, prosperous, lucky 2024! What are your family’s New Years food traditions? Let us know in the comments!

The post New Years Lucky Foods Shopping List appeared first on TasteForCooking.

1.  Plan your menu:  Don’t eat chicken, turkey or beef on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Chicken and turkey scratch backward, and cows stand still – no one wants to go in either direction heading into the New Year, ah, and don’t forget to avoid crabs – which walk sideways or lobsters, which swim backward.  The thought is to move forward (progress,) so stick to pork, lamb, fish, shrimp, mussels, clams, oysters or scallops. We have lots more info on New Years lucky foods if you’re interested.
2. Go grocery shopping: A full fridge or pantry is supposed to ensure abundance in the New Year. Make sure and purchase New Year’s Lucky fruits. Make sure to purchase New Year’s Lucky fruits like grapes, oranges, apples, and pomegranates. Please read the rest of this blog first, so you know what items to add to your grocery list!
3. Cook up beans, greens and cabbage: These foods represent coins and cash for abundance. Spice up greens with flavors like garlic, lemon, or bacon.
4. Visit an ATM machine:  Debit cards in your wallet won’t do the trick. You need to withdraw and have cash in your wallet going into the New Year to bring prosperity. Be sure to spend at least a little for good measure.
5. Replace dead indoor plants:  Don’t keep last year’s lucky with you. Throw away plants that aren’t doing well and replace them with new ones. Buy a new plant: Throw out old sad plants and welcome new leafy luck.
6. Pick your underwear color carefully:  Red – A year of romance and passion. Blue – A year of good health. Green – A year of better luck. Pink – A year of luck in love. White – A year of happiness, peace, and joy. Yellow – A year of prosperity.
7. Pick your outfit: The most popular colors worn on New Year’s Eve are Red for love and luck, White for happiness and New Beginnings, Gold for Prosperity, Silver for financial success, Purple for power and ambition, Yellow for money and wealth, Green for growth and energy, and Blue for peace and tranquility.

Things to Do at Midnight and throughout New Year’s Day

1. Make noise: Firecrackers, noise makers or even banging pots and pots is said to scare away any evil spirits that may have taken up residence in your home. This is the reason church bells are often rung at midnight.
2. Kiss at midnight: This will ensure affection in the coming year.
3. Pop a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine:  Popping the cork makes noise, and the bubbles go up from the bottle of the glass, symbolizing things looking up in the new year. Toast to hope & luck in the future. (interesting fact, toasting can be traced back to the Greeks and Romans when they lifted their pitchers of wine in celebration after winning a battle. The party’s host would drink the wine first to ensure it was not poisoned.)
4. Eat 12 grapes at midnight:  12 represents one for each month in the New Year.  Make a wish as you eat each one.  If you bight into a sour one, that may mean that particular month will be a difficult one for you.
5. Eat at least one long noodle in one piece (without chewing) for a good long life, so you will need a big pot to boil them whole.
6. Open window policy: Open some doors and windows at midnight: Let the old year out and welcome the new Year!
7. What is the New Year’s tradition with buckets of water?
8. Throw a glass or bucket of water out a door or window: A common Latin American New Year’s tradition is to toss a bucket of water out a door or window at midnight to clear out the old year and drive away evil spirits as well as tossing your woes and old tears away.
9. Pack your bags and walk around the block: For the travel-obsessed, walking out of your house with luggage open, taking your luggage around your block, or to the end of the street will bring you many travel opportunities in the upcoming year. If the weather is bad, you can just walk around your house a couple of times. For travelers, roll your bags around the block to manifest trips.
10. Eat a bowl of beans: Black-eyed peas or lentils are at the top of the list for lucky foods, but all beans will work. Beans symbolize coins that will bring money in the new year, and they “swell” when you cook them, another sign for abundance.
11. Eat your greens:  Greens are said to “Show you the money!” Cooked collard, spinach, cabbage and kale are all said to represent paper money. Germans eat lots of sauerkraut, Danish like their kale sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar while in the U.S., collards are quite popular. It’s certainly easy enough to throw some spinach or kale into your bowl of black-eyed peas or lentils.  Perhaps Gas-X should be on your grocery list as well.
12. Do Something Successful:  You should do something productive that aligns with your goals on this day, setting the tone for the rest of the year.  Consider exercise, menu planning, budgeting or even a little work. How about making that list of New Year’s resolutions? Exercise or work on goals: Do something productive aligned with your resolutions to set the right tone.

1. Don’t use any sharp objects on New Year’s Day (no knives, scissors, etc.), or you will “cut” your luck for the New Year.
2. Don’t do laundry, wash your hair, or clean the house: The theory is you don’t want to wash away luck or set the tone for a year of hard work. Also, you don’t want to “sweep” your newfound luck out the door.
3. Nothing leaves the house on New Years day:  Nothing goes out, unless you want people to be leaving you all year and you want to be paying and giving things away all year. Don’t even take out the trash.
4. Don’t cry:  Be happy and in a good mood, so that will carry into the New Year.  You may feel more sadness than happiness in the coming year if you cry.
5. Buy a horseshoe:  Sleep with a horseshoe under your pillow on New Year’s Eve for good luck.

As you can see, for us superstitious sorts, New Year’s Day offers the chance go totally nuts with odd New Years Traditions and Superstitions.

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So you’ve read our New Year’s Lucky Foods post, and are ready to plan your menu.  

A New Year Lucky Foods shopping list is essential in preparing a menu for New Year’s Eve and New Year Day.  Planning ahead is key because if you follow New Years Traditions and Superstitions, there are lots of things you shouldn’t do on New Years day like using a knife, throwing out the garbage or do a lot of cleaning, so in our family we get as much ready as possible before midnight on New Year Eve.

Here is our New Years Lucky Foods Shopping List

Round fruits for good luck:  Please keep in mind that all fruits are fine to use.  The round shape represents the ongoing nature of time and the year coming to a close or full circle, which is why there is a focus on eating round fruits.  Round fruits include grapes, oranges, apples, mandarines, tangerines, watermelon, pomegranate, figs, pineapple, mango, lemon, lime, papaya, lychee, pomelo, guava, melon, kiwi, cantaloupe, plums, apricot, Asian pears, persimmons, peaches, honeydew, cherries, rambutan, blueberry, grapefruit, cranberry, coconut & raspberry. Bananas also make the list since when you slice them the pieces are round.

Round vegetables & rooted vegetables for good luck:  The same goes for vegetables. They are all fine, and none will bring bad luck, but for added luck, go with fruits that have a round shape or those that grow with roots to help ground you in the coming here.  These vegetables include potato, onion, garlic, ginger, cherry tomato, avocado, radish, cabbage, carrots, celery root, leek, parsnip, beets, mushroom, pumpkin, sweet potato, turnip & yucca.

Greens for good luck: Greens resemble money, so make sure to shop for your favorites.  Kale, spinach, chard, arugula,kohlrabi, bok choy, broccoli raab, collard greens turnip greens and mustard greens are all popular options.

Round Foods for good luck:  As we mentioned above, the round shape is thought to bring good luck.  There are so many round foods our list would be quite long, but we are going to list some of the most popular circular foods while omitting things made from beef or chicken since those foods are on the list of things to avoid for New Year’s.  Fried eggs, pancakes, pizza, crepe, pies, doughnuts/doughnut holes, cookies, cakes, sushi, brie (& other wheels of cheese,) cheese balls or rings, bagels, quiche, bread bowls, meatballs (made from pork), truffles, cheesecake, garlic knots, olives, oats, matzo balls, dumplings, fritters & rice balls.

Proteins for good luck: 

• Beans (most commonly used on New Year are either black-eyed peas or lentils,) but any bean is fine.
• Pork in its many forms is used for New Year’s, including pork chops, tenderloin, ribs, sausage, bacon, ham, pancetta, prosciutto, ground pork belly, or ham hock.
• Fish:  All fish work but if you want to fatten your wallet, go with a fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel or sardines.  Another belief is that you should serve fish whole to represent the beginning and the end of the year.  The best fish to cook whole is a white-fleshed fish such as red snapper, mahi mahi, sea bass, or branzino.

For your starches, noodles, rice, quinoa, risotto & barley are all considered good luck foods. Cornbread is considered a lucky food in the South.

Now you have plenty of options to choose from this New Years Lucky Foods Shopping list!

The post Foods That Bring Good Luck for New Years appeared first on TasteForCooking.

One of the most popular Christmas dishes in America is roast turkey. This classic holiday meal is typically served with a variety of side dishes, such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. The turkey is often flavored with herbs and spices, such as rosemary and thyme, and is roasted to perfection, with crispy, golden-brown skin and juicy, tender meat. Another popular Christmas dish is ham. This savory, salty meat is often cooked in a variety of ways, such as glazed with honey and brown sugar, or baked with pineapple and maraschino cherries. Ham is a traditional holiday meal in many parts of America, and is often served with sides such as sweet potatoes, green beans, and cornbread dressing.

The Centerpiece: Roast Turkey or Glazed Ham
The debate between turkey and ham is a festive one, and many families serve both.

• Roast Turkey: The quintessential centerpiece, a perfectly roasted turkey symbolizes abundance and celebration. For the juiciest results, we recommend brining your turkey overnight in a solution of salt, sugar, and herbs. Roast with aromatics like rosemary, thyme, and onion inside the cavity, and baste regularly for that iconic crispy, golden-brown skin. Pro Tip: Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to lock in the juices.
• Baked Ham: A savory, glazed ham offers a delicious alternative or addition. Scoring the fat in a diamond pattern and baking it with a glaze—like a sweet and tangy maple mustard glaze—creates a beautiful, flavorful crust. For a traditional touch, cloves are often pressed into the glaze.

Hearty & Festive Side Dishes
The sides are where personalities shine. Balance rich, indulgent flavors with brighter, fresh components.

• Stuffing/Dressing: A cornerstone of the meal. Whether cooked inside the bird (stuffing) or baked separately (dressing), it’s a fragrant blend of bread, celery, onions, herbs, and broth. For a twist: Add sausage, dried cranberries, or pecans.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and non-negotiable for many. Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts with bacon, honey-glazed carrots, or parsnips develop a wonderful caramelized sweetness. A simple green bean almondine or a fresh winter salad with pomegranate seeds offers a crisp contrast.
• The Accompaniments: Homemade cranberry sauce (tart and fresh, not just canned), rich giblet gravy, and warm, fluffy dinner rolls complete the plate.

In addition to turkey and ham, many American families also enjoy a Christmas seafood feast. Lobster, crab, and shrimp are all popular choices, and are often served with melted butter for dipping. These dishes are a great way to add some variety to the traditional Christmas meal, and are a delicious way to celebrate the season.

Regional & Family Traditions
Beyond the universal classics, many families incorporate dishes that reflect their heritage or region.

• Seafood Feasts: A Christmas Eve tradition for many, especially in coastal and Italian-American communities. Dishes like baked lobster, shrimp cocktail, or crab cakes add a luxurious touch.
• Fruitcake: This dense, spiced cake packed with dried fruits and nuts is a historic treat. When soaked in spirits like brandy or rum and aged properly, it’s a moist, flavorful nod to Christmases past.
• Eggnog: The iconic holiday beverage. This rich, creamy concoction of milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, spiced with nutmeg, can be enjoyed spiked with rum or bourbon or as a non-alcoholic treat. Important Note: For safety, use pasteurized eggs or a cooked egg base if making from scratch.

We can’t forget about a timeless Christmas dish in America, fruitcake. This dense, rich cake is made with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is often soaked in brandy or other spirits. Fruitcake has a long history, dating back to ancient Rome, and is a traditional holiday treat in many parts of the world. Why not wash down that fruitcake with some Eggnog? This rich, creamy drink is made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, and is often flavored with nutmeg and cinnamon. Eggnog is a popular holiday beverage in America, and is often served at parties and gatherings during the Christmas season.

Finally, no Christmas feast would be complete without dessert. In America, there are many sweet treats that are traditionally served during the holidays, such as gingerbread cookies, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie. These desserts are a delicious way to end the meal, and are a great way to celebrate the season with friends and family.

The Sweet Finale: Christmas Desserts
The dessert table is a holiday highlight.

• Pies: Pumpkin pie (spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves) and pecan pie (rich, sweet, and nutty) are absolute classics.
• Christmas Cookies: Baking and decorating sugar cookies, gingerbread people, and spritz cookies is a beloved family activity.
• Modern Favorites: Consider a chocolate Yule log (Bûche de Noël), a show-stopping eggnog trifle, or easy-to-make peppermint bark for a festive chocolate treat.

Building Your Christmas Buffet or Dinner Menu
To create a harmonious and inclusive spread, offer a variety of flavors, textures, and consider dietary needs.

Sample Menu Structure:

• Starters: Cheese board, spiced nuts, deviled eggs.
• Mains: Roast Turkey and/or a beautifully glazed Ham.
• Sides: Herb Stuffing, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Fresh Cranberry Sauce, Green Bean Casserole, Warm Rolls.
• Desserts: Assorted Christmas Cookies, Pecan Pie, and a festive Eggnog Trifle.

Remember: The best Christmas meal is the one filled with love and shared with family and friends. Don’t be afraid to incorporate your own family’s traditional dishes—that’s what makes the meal truly special.

We’d love to hear from you! What dish is the heart of your Christmas dinner? Share your traditions and recipes in the comments below.

Ready to try a specific recipe from this guide? Explore our detailed recipes for a Maple Mustard Glazed Ham or a Classic Eggnog Trifle.

Looking for a warm-weather or budget-friendly alternative? Check out our complete Sunny Florida Christmas Menu for a fresh take on the holiday feast.

The post Most Popular Christmas Foods appeared first on TasteForCooking.

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Turkey Chili

High protein turkey chili recipe perfect for family meals. Simple ingredients and easy steps

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword beans, chili, cold weather, turkey

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

20 minutes minutes

Total Time 3 hours hours

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 1 large white onion chopped
• 1 large red pepper chopped
• 1 large green bell pepper chopped
• 1 large yellow or orange pepper chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1-1.5 lbs ground turkey breast
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) no-salt-added tomato sauce
• 1 can 15 ounces) red kidney beans rinsed and drained (buy organic to cut down on the sodium)
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans or white northern beans, rinsed and drained (buy organic to cut down on the sodium)
• 1.5 to 2 tbsp chili powder to taste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 12oz Mexican beer such as Corona or Presidente – adds a great flavor
• 1 tbsp olive oil enough for the bottom of the pan

Instructions

• Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

  Add garlic, onions, bell peppers, garlic. Sauté́ for 7-9 minutes, until soft.
• Add the turkey and cook until it starts to brown (about 7 minutes), mixing often to break up chunks. 
• Stir in the tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Keep uncovered. Cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring often.  When it’s done, add extra spices to reach your desired flavor. 
• (We cook it closer to two hours, for a thicker and meaty chili)

  You can also make this ahead of time in a slow cooker. Put everything together and cook for about 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.

Notes

Optional toppings

• 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
• chopped red onions
• Slice avocado for garnish

It’s cold here so that means it is time for Turkey Chili ! Here is my favorite recipe – it is very similar to the one in the Belly Off Diet book so it is high in fiber and low in sodium !

The post Turkey Chili Recipe – perfect for cold weather ! appeared first on TasteForCooking.

The holiday table overflows with treasured flavors, from perfect golden turkey to sweet potato casserole brimming with pecans. Choose your wines wisely to take this abundant feast on a magical taste adventure. Carefully paired bottles complement individual dishes and tie the meal into a symphonic story. Read on for key tips on selecting the best Thanksgiving and Christmas wines to have your guests remarking that the food and drink seem to melt decadently together.

Food and wine pairings can heighten these special seasonal flavors, transporting your tastebuds. Carefully selecting wines to complement your holiday dishes will have your guests remarking on how fruit, oak, and citrus notes dance on their palates. Read on for recommendations of wines to pair with classic Thanksgiving and Christmas flavors.

Thanksgiving Wines: Complementing Turkey, Stuffing, and All the Fixings

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all those savory sides. The best Thanksgiving wine pairings emphasize selecting wines that complement the diverse range of traditional dishes. Choosing wines with enough body and flavor to stand up to these hearty dishes is key. Creamy mashed potatoes pair well with high-acid white wines, avoiding overly oaky options. Wines with bold red fruit flavors complement the meal’s characteristics, making them suitable for turkey and other sides. Rosé wines are trendy options for Thanksgiving celebrations due to their versatility. Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing option to complement a diverse Thanksgiving menu. Sparkling wine is essential for festive occasions, enhancing celebratory moods. Sparkling wines pair well with a variety of foods, especially rich and creamy dishes. Selecting appropriate wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner enhances the overall dining experience. A well-chosen wine can elevate the entire Thanksgiving feast. Discussing various types of Thanksgiving wine helps in making the right choice. Thanksgiving wine pairings are crucial for an enjoyable meal. Specific Thanksgiving wine picks can enhance the flavors of both turkey and diverse side dishes. The best white wines for Thanksgiving are refreshing and tangy. Various wines for Thanksgiving, including rosé, white, red, and sparkling wines, can enhance the dining experience.

Buttery Chardonnay

A rich, oaked Chardonnay has flavors of butter and toast that echo stuffing and creamed corn. The wine’s weight matches hearty gravy and turkey while contrasting crunchy green beans. This is America’s most popular wine, so it’s no surprise that it goes perfectly with a Thanksgiving meal. It’s a fairly complimentary wine with its often sweet or oak flavor. Chardonnay is an especially good choice if you are having a meal that includes many rich dishes.

Spiced Riesling

Riesling may taste sweet upfront but often has a spicy or gingery finish. These flavor layers mirror cranberries, roasted squash, and pumpkin pie spice. Riesling cuts through Turkey’s fattiness and brings out subtle herbs in the stuffing. The flavor of it can range from very sweet to just having a hint of a citrusy flavor. One of the best parts about this wine is that it is fairly inexpensive, and you can get a decent bottle of it for around $10-$20.

Earthy Pinot Noir

The lightness of Pinot Noir keeps it from overpowering turkey. Its cherry and mushroom notes resonate with gravy, roasted veggies and cranberry sauce. The wine turns silky with each bite, encouraging you to go back for more. Get a rich blend if you want to go with Pinot Noir for Thanksgiving. Most domestic options will be good. Just make sure that it has a sweet, fruity flavor so that it will complement the meal and not get overpowered by it.

Christmas Wines: Playing Counterpoint to Ham, Duck and Beef

Christmas dinner showstoppers like glazed ham, crispy duck or prime rib demand wines with their own personality.

Tart German Riesling

This is a good option for households with ham as the centerpiece of their Christmas meal. In particular, German Riesling complements pork dishes well as they don’t taste as sweet as other wines.  Zinfandel or Rose are also good choices. Riesling’s high acidity slices through fatty ham and rich pan sauces. Its minerality acts as a refresher between bites of savory-sweet gaminess, while white peach notes pick up honey glaze hints.

Smoky Zinfandel

Ham and duck set up a perfect contrast for a jammy, spicy Zin. The wine’s black fruit and white pepper vibrate against cured and confited meats. Rose’s strawberry and nectarine flavors also partner well. Pairing wine with duck can differ greatly from turkey as duck tends to be fattier and gamey. Red wines tend to be a good option as they can tone down the flavor of the duck. Now, if you plan on serving your duck with a sauce made of fruit, stick to a white wine instead.

Bold Cabernet Sauvignon

Prime rib demands a full-throttle Cabernet, with concentrated cassis and tobacco marrying the meat’s nutty umami. Cabernet powers through fat and texture, its chewy tannins gripping each juicy bite. Many families are choosing to go all out for Christmas and opting for a meal with the main course being red meat of some kind. For wine, your best bet is to choose a Cabernet Sauvignon. It can bring out the flavors of the meat without the wine being underpowered.

With a reliable wine pairing guide, your holiday table can delight in food and wine working in harmony. The right bottles transport your guests, evoking cozy memories as flavors come together.

Beyond the Bird: Wine Pairings for Vegetarian Main Dishes

Not everyone eats meat during the holidays, but vegetarian dishes deserve delicious wine pairings. Whether your main course is a hearty vegetable pie, mushroom Wellington or lentil roast, these bottles can be perfect partners.

Nutty Sherry

An aged fino or amontillado sherry makes viruses like mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts sing. The fortified wine’s toasted almond and caramel notes resonate with umami richness and earthiness. Its crispness cuts through the pastry and enrobes vegetable flavors.

Silky Pinot Noir

The gentle nature of Pinot lets vegetable and vegetarian dishes shine while echoing their flavors. For mushroom dishes, Pinot’s own mushroomy qualities enhance savory depth. Its red berry brightness counters hearty pastry and gravy.

** textured Viognier**

Lush Viognier softens the edges of holiday vegetarian dishes with textures of apricot nectar and orange blossom honey. These lightly sweet tones complement roasted winter vegetables, nuts, and warm spices. The wine’s weight stands up to hearty veggie pies or tarts.

Herbal Beaujolais

For vegetable dishes with herbes de Provence or rosemary, zesty Beaujolais is a perfect foil. Its red berry fruit has an undertone of black pepper and thyme, bringing out the food seasoning. Beaujolais cuts through rich cheese or eggs baked into a tart.

With a spectrum of vegetarian main course options, expand your wine horizons this holiday season. Discover new flavor affinities that make wine and food taste their best.

Dessert Wines: Sweet Endings with Sauternes, Port and Ice Wine

After a generous holiday meal, finish on a high note with sweet dessert wines. Their luscious flavors are made for holiday confections like dense fruitcake, pumpkin pie and gingerbread cookies.

Luscious Sauternes

This iconic French dessert wine wraps layered sugar, marmalade, and honeyed notes around spice-laced holiday treats. Sauternes’ viscosity echos custards and batter while contrasting crispy cookies or pie crusts. Its orange blossom nuances highlight pumpkin and warm baking spices.

Ruby Port

Port Wine’s gorgeous red fruit center has enough backbone to embrace holiday baking’s rich density. Baking spices, chocolate, and nuts feel elevated by Port’s dried cherry and cassis tones. It becomes velvety smooth on the palate, echoing buttery crusts and melted confectioner’s sugar frosting.

Golden Ice Wine

Ice Wine is a heavenly pairing for lighter, fruit-based desserts like peach cobbler or cranberry trifle. It concentrates pear, apricot, and honeydew melon essences to balance tart fruit. Candied ginger notes recognize sweeter holiday cake accents and caramel sauces.

Raise a Glass to Holiday Harmony

With intention and some guidance, you can choose holiday wines to blend seamlessly with your meal. Not only will perfectly paired Chardonnays, Rieslings, and Cabernets elevate individual dishes like duck, prime rib, and pumpkin pie. But the right bottles will provide a complementary theme to bridge your menu, from the first course to the finale. This holiday season, transport your guests on a shared flavor journey that orchestrates tastes of oak, berry, clove, and chestnut into an unforgettable epicurean experience. Cheers, and happy feasting!

Other posts that may interest you:

How The World Celebrates Thanksgiving

Holiday Traditions to Start

The post Which Wines To Pair With Your Holiday Meal appeared first on TasteForCooking.

Mocktails: Alcohol-Free Elegance

Who says you need alcohol to enjoy the Parisian nightlife? The city’s mixologists have mastered the art of creating stunning, flavorful mocktails that rival their spirited counterparts. Here are some suggestions of where to go and what cocktail to order.

1. Le Mary Celeste’s Seasonal Creations: Head to Le Mary Celeste in the Marais district for some of the most innovative mocktails in the city. Their menu changes with the seasons, but you might find delights like a Green Apple and Basil Fizz or a Spiced Pear Cooler. These drinks prove that alcohol-free can be far from flavor-free.
2. Bisou’s Seasonal Creations: For those seeking Instagram-worthy mocktails, head to Bisou in the 10th arrondissement. This eco-friendly cocktail bar creates stunning alcohol-free concoctions using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Try their lavender lemonade in summer or warm spiced apple juice in winter for an authentic taste of Paris through the seasons.
3. The Blueberry at Little Red Door: The world-renowned Little Red Door doesn’t disappoint when it comes to mocktails. Their Blueberry mocktail, a mix of blueberry shrub, verjus, and tonic water, offers a sophisticated, grown-up drink without the alcohol.
4. The Virgin Kir Royal: Start your mocktail adventure with a twist on a French classic. Many upscale hotels and bars offer a non-alcoholic version of the beloved Kir Royal, swapping champagne for sparkling grape juice and crème de cassis for blackcurrant syrup. It’s a refreshing, bubbly treat that lets you feel fancy without the buzz.
5. Lavender Lemonade at Bisou: For a true taste of Provence in Paris, try the Lavender Lemonade at Bisou. This eco-friendly bar creates stunning alcohol-free concoctions using locally sourced ingredients. The delicate floral notes of lavender paired with zesty lemon create a refreshing drink that’s pure sunshine in a glass.

Cocktails: Classic and Contemporary

Now, for those who enjoy a spirited sip, Paris offers an array of cocktails that range from timeless classics to cutting-edge creations.

1. The Hemingway Daiquiri at Bar Hemingway: No cocktail tour of Paris would be complete without a visit to the legendary Bar Hemingway at the Ritz. Order the Hemingway Daiquiri, a refreshing blend of rum, lime, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur. It’s said to have been a favorite of the bar’s namesake author.
2. Sister Midnight: Paris’s Edgy Rock ‘n’ Roll Cocktail Haven – Step into the electric atmosphere of Sister Midnight, Paris’s coolest rock-inspired cocktail bar. Located in the trendy 11th arrondissement, this edgy establishment seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern mixology. Whether you’re a rock aficionado or simply searching for expertly crafted cocktails, Sister Midnight offers a unique Parisian nightlife experience. Come for the drinks, stay for the music, and lose yourself in the intoxicating blend of Paris’s cocktail culture and rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Reservations are recommended for live music nights.
3. The French 75 at Harry’s New York Bar: No cocktail tour of Paris would be complete without a visit to the legendary Harry’s New York Bar. Try their French 75, a sparkling combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. It’s said to have a kick-like being shelled with a French 75mm field gun – hence the name!
4. Danico: Parisian Cocktail Artistry in the Heart of the Marais. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for an extraordinary drinking experience, Danico offers a taste of Paris’s cutting-edge cocktail culture. Discover why this bar has become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike in the City of Light. Nestled within the chic Daroco restaurant in Paris’s trendy Marais district, Danico is a hidden gem that’s redefining the city’s cocktail scene. This intimate, stylish bar is the brainchild of renowned mixologist Nico de Soto, offering a perfect blend of innovation and classic French elegance. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends
5. The Little Red Door’s Ever-Changing Menu: True cocktail aficionados shouldn’t miss Little Red Door in the Marais. Their innovative menu changes regularly, often featuring cocktails inspired by abstract concepts or emotions. Ask the bartender for their current specialty – you’re in for a multisensory experience!
6. The Rive Gauche at Prescription Cocktail Club: For a more modern twist, visit the Prescription Cocktail Club on the Left Bank. Their signature Rive Gauche cocktail blends cognac, crème de pêche, lemon juice, and Champagne for a drink that embodies Parisian sophistication.
7. Experimental Cocktail Club’s: Ever-Changing Menu True cocktail aficionados shouldn’t miss the Experimental Cocktail Club. Their innovative menu changes regularly, but you can always count on unique flavor combinations and expert craftsmanship. Ask the bartender for their current specialty – you won’t be disappointed.
8. The Modernist at Experimental Cocktail Club: The Experimental Cocktail Club has been at the forefront of Paris’s cocktail renaissance. Try their Modernist, a smoky blend of mezcal, yellow chartreuse, and Aperol. It perfectly represents how traditional French liqueurs can be used in contemporary cocktails.
9. Candelaria: Hidden Cocktail Paradise Behind a Taqueria. Tucked away behind an unassuming taqueria front in Paris’s trendy Marais district, Candelaria is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar that’s become a cult favorite among locals and visitors alike. This hidden gem offers an unexpected blend of Mexican street food and world-class mixology. Whether you’re in the mood for expertly crafted cocktails or just looking to discover one of Paris’s best-kept secrets, Candelaria offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends Parisian chic with international flair. Don’t forget to grab a taco on your way out! No reservations accepted for the bar – first come, first served
10. Bar Les Ambassadeurs: Opulent Cocktails in Parisian Palace Splendor. Nestled within the luxurious Hôtel de Crillon on Place de la Concorde, Bar Les Ambassadeurs offers a cocktail experience that epitomizes Parisian elegance and sophistication. This historic venue, once the ballroom of the 18th-century palace, now serves as one of the city’s most prestigious cocktail destinations. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to indulge in the height of Parisian luxury, Bar Les Ambassadeurs provides an unforgettable cocktail experience. Sip on masterfully crafted drinks while soaking in the opulent atmosphere and stunning views of Place de la Concorde. It’s a taste of Parisian high society that’s not to be missed. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings.

A Toast to Parisian Wine Culture

While we’re focusing on cocktails and mocktails, it would be remiss not to mention Paris’s rich wine culture. Many bars offer excellent wine lists featuring both local and international varieties. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations – Parisian sommeliers are often passionate about sharing their knowledge.

Tips for Enjoying Paris’ Drink Scene

1. Timing is Everything: Parisians tend to eat and drink later than in some other cultures. Many bars don’t get busy until after 10 pm.
2. Apéritif Hour: Embrace the French tradition of apéritif – a pre-dinner drink often enjoyed with small bites. It’s the perfect time to try a lighter cocktail or a glass of Champagne.
3. Sip Slowly: In Paris, drinks are meant to be savored. Take your time and enjoy the flavors and atmosphere.
4. Explore Different Arrondissements: Each Parisian neighborhood has its own unique vibe. There’s a drink for every mood, from the chic bars of the Marais to the bohemian spots in Montmartre.
5. Try Local Spirits: Look out for cocktails featuring French spirits like Cognac, Armagnac, or lesser-known gems like Calvados (apple brandy) or Génépi (an Alpine herbal liqueur).

Whether you’re clinking glasses filled with a vibrant mocktail or sipping a perfectly balanced cocktail, Paris offers a drinking experience like no other. From hidden speakeasies to glitzy hotel bars, each venue tells a story through its drinks. So raise your glass and say “Santé!” to the delightful liquid treasures of the City of Light. Ready to start planning your France vacation?  After all, in Paris, every sip is a celebration of life, culture, and the art of mixology. Cheers to your Parisian drinking adventure! Looking for more about Paris read Favorite Moments in the City of Lights: Paris, Paris in the Spring: How to Spend a Day or perhaps Uncover the Hidden Charms of Paris in the Fall.

The post Sipping in Style: The Ultimate Guide to Paris’ Mocktails and Cocktails appeared first on TasteForCooking.

This is a family recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation. I remember the first time I tried carrot casserole – it was the first Thanksgiving we celebrated with my husband’s side of the family. Having celebrated every Thanksgiving with my Latin family, we always had a few dishes that weren’t so traditional so having my first New Jersey thanksgiving was a little of a culture shock. From the moment I saw the carrot dish, it peaked my interest because I noticed more cheese than carrots (and how can that be a bad thing! Every Thanksgiving since then, we always make sure to have Grandma B’s Carrot Casserole – it is a great side dish ! If you are looking for something sweet, check out our Maple Carrot Recipe.

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