Cotechino Con Lenticchie and Hoppin John New Year's Good Luck Recipes

                                               Cotechino Con Lenticchie
1-1/2 pounds cotechino
1-1/2 onion, chopped
1-1/2 bay leaf
12 whole black peppercorns
1-1/2 sprigs fresh thyme
10-1/2 cups water
1-1/2 pounds dry green lentils
1-1/2 onions, quartered
1-1/2 cloves garlic
1-1/2 bay leaf
1-1/2 large carrot, quartered
salt and pepper to taste
6 cups water
1 tablespoon and 1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1-1/2 bunches fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1.Pierce the cotechino with a fork in several places. In a large pot place the cotechino, chopped onion, 1 1/2 bay leafs, peppercorns and thyme. Cover with water and bring all to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 45 to 50 minutes, if using fresh cotechino (for precooked cotechino, simmer for 20 minutes).

2.In a large pot combine the lentils, quartered onion, garlic, bay leaf, carrot and salt and pepper to taste. Cover with the 4 cups of water. Bring all to a boil; cover, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 40 to 45 minutes or until lentils are soft. Add additional water if necessary.

3.Remove the onion, garlic, bay leaf and carrot; discard. Spoon the lentils into a serving dish, drizzle with olive oil and slice rounds of the cotechino over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve.


                                            Hoppin' John                                        

2-1/4 cups dry black-eyed peas

1-1/2 pounds ham hocks
1-1/2 onion, chopped
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
6 cups water
2-1/4 cups long-grain white rice
1-1/2 cups shredded smoked Cheddar cheese

Directions

1.In a large pan place the peas, ham hock, onion, red pepper, salt and pepper. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 1 1/2 hours.

2.Remove ham hock and cut meat into pieces. Return meat to pot. Stir in the rice, cover and cook until rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top, if desired. Serve

Both recipes call for 9 servings,  and are the basic adaptations. But both recipes flavors can be be adapted to your taste. Enjoy!! and may the New Year bring you much success.