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Pork for progress: Classic pork with apples. Photo: fofarms.com

Here are the top 7 must-know foods you should be eating on December 31st in Canada that will bring you good luck and fortune in the year to come.

1.Pork for progress: Classic pork with apples

One of the most common foods eaten on New Year's Day in Canada is pork as to live long, and most importantly, prosper this New Year’s Eve, tuck into any variation of pork. Pig is said to represent wealth and progress in Eastern Europe, thanks to its round shape and pushed-out nose which symbolize progress and moving forward. In this winter-friendly dish that’s all about blending contrasting flavours, ground pepper, paprika, and Dijon add a kick to buttery pork chops and apples simmering in a milky-smooth cider sauce. For apples that retain their crunchy texture under heat, opt for Empire or Cortland varieties.

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Cornbread. Photo: Thespruceseat.com

2.Cornbread

In southern Europe, chilli's tasty sidekick is said to bring good luck due to its resemblance to gold. To increase your luck, try adding even more corn kernels to your cornbread recipe — they're symbolic of golden nuggets.

3.Grapes for good luck: Grape, gouda and arugula skewers

On their own, arugula and grapes make for a refreshing and winning combination. But string them together on a toothpick with luscious Canadian Gouda, and they suddenly take on an even more festive quality. In this delightful canapé, the grapes’ juices add sweetness to complement creamy Canadian Gouda, while arugula leaves to balance out the bite with a subtle earthiness. Even more of an incentive to chow down this New Year’s Eve: in Mexico and Spain, eating 12 grapes (that means 12 servings of this recipe!) represents good luck, while in the Southern United States, arugula’s green hue represents money and prosperity.

4.Herring

In Germany, Poland and Scandinavia, people believe that at the stroke of midnight, eating herring will ensure you have a year of bounty. The is said to be true because the fish is in abundance across Western Europe, not to mention their silvery, coin-like colour, has a good future written all over it.

5.Leafy Greens

People from the coastal American South to Europe enjoy an abundance of leafy greens (kale, collards, cabbage, etc.) on New Year's Day due to their paper money-like appearance and colour. The more you eat, the more money you'll make!

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Photo: Moptu.com

6.Lentils for prosperity: Gouda and lentil soup

Brazilians and Italians have the right idea: they devour golden coin-shaped lentils on New Year’s Eve to boost their fortunes. When the weather outside is frightful (or when you simply need an impressive first course to feed your New Year’s Eve guests!), look no further than this rich and hearty lentil soup peppered with greens and sweet potato, and finished off with velvety shredded Canadian Gouda. The unique cheese’s smoky aftertaste is perfectly evocative of cosy winter nights by the fireplace—and what’s lentil soup if not the culinary embodiment of a warm and welcoming fireplace?

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Photo: Pinterest.

7.Bannock

Delicious and versatile, bannock is a simple bread that was once a key staple in the diets of Canada’s Aboriginal people. Modern takes on bannock include baked versions (which are heavy/dense) and fried versions (which are crispy and fluffy on the inside). In recent years, bannock has seen a surge in popularity, with new twists and variations popping up in bakeries and cafes nationwide – you have to try it!

We all make New Year’s resolutions, but why not push your luck even further with foods that bring about good fortune? As luck would have it, these seven recipes that feature fortuitous foods happen to be delicious too.
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