I have lived in the southern part of the United States for nearly all of my life, but it wasn’t until the last several years that we started enjoying a traditional New Year’s dinner together as a family. We love traditions, food history, and cooking from scratch, so this meal seemed natural for us to incorporate into our New Year’s Day routine.

(We also started a short family hike on New Year’s day that I’m really hoping to continue too!)

Whether or not these foods actually bring you luck isn’t exactly the point. It’s just fun to have that tether to the past, and to celebrate the start of something new– especially with foods as delicious as these.

Traditional New Year Dinner Ideas

These are southern lucky foods, but you can also find traditional New Year’s dinner ideas from other cultures too, like grapes (Spain), tamales (Mexico), marzipan pigs (Germany), long noodles (Japan), pomegranates (Greece), herring (Poland), and King Cake (all over the world).

In the U.S. south, traditional New Year’s Day foods represent prosperity and good fortune: 

• greens represent green money
• black eyed peas (and other beans) represent coins and wealth
• pork represents good fortune
• cornbread represents gold 

We make each of these dishes (they pair perfectly!), but of course, you can choose how many with which you want to start the year. I’ve included recipes for cornbread, skillet garlic greens (quick and easy to make with spinach or swiss chard), and collard greens (my FAV, made so much easier and faster in the Instant Pot).

I didn’t include recipes for bacon, because, it’s bacon. You got this.

After the individual recipes, I have also included recipes for dishes which use the various components together. The Potlikker Gumbo is DELICIOUS, and would be a great way to bring everything together for one super-fortuitous New Year’s Day dinner.

(My family recipe for fried chicken is included too in case anyone wants to skip the pork and enjoy an alternative southern main that pairs well with greens and black-eyed peas).

Happy New Year’s Day! I hope 2023 is a great year for you, full of good fortune and prosperity! 

New Year’s Day Recipes

Skillet Cornbread

We enjoy this cornbread year-round. It’s so tender and delicious, gluten-free, and only dirties one bowl. Highly recommend using a cast iron skillet!

Instant Pot Collard Greens

Collard greens are so tasty, not to mention, so good for you too. Making them in the Instant Pot cuts down a lot of the cooking time, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Sauteed Garlicky Greens

We can never make enough greens because everyone always devours them! These make a great weeknight side dish, just don’t skimp on the garlic.

Collard Green Wontons

If you prefer a tasty appetizer with greens, these wontons are fried to perfection. Stuffed with tender collards and cream cheese, they’re easy to please for everyone.

Southern Black Eyed Peas

This recipe from Grits and Pinecones is the general method we use to make our black eyed peas– dried peas soaked overnight, then simmered on the stove in a flavorful stock complete with ham bones.

Complete Dishes :: 

Pan Fried Pork Chops with Onion Bacon Gravy

Pork chops pan fried to perfection, served with a savory gravy. This is another perfect pairing with greens, cornbread, and beans.

Potlikker Gumbo

All the fortune in one easy bowl! Just add some beans to keep the odds in your favor.

Pan Fried Chicken Tenders

Not a fan of pork? Keep the cornbread, greens, and beans, and make a batch of pan fried chicken tenders. This is my family recipe, made simpler and easier in a shallow pan.

Do you have a traditional dish or meal you eat on New Year’s Day? I’d love to hear about it!

If you use these recipes to celebrate, tag me @thispilgrimlife so I can see and celebrate with you.

Happy New Year’s!

The post Traditional New Year Dinner Ideas appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

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Blackened chicken used to be my husband’s domain– which meant we only had it every so often when he was able to take over the cooking and the rest of us were able to take shelter elsewhere.

Because, OH MY, blackened chicken can smoke and the cooking peppers can make it hard to breathe!

Recently, though, I’ve started making blackened chicken to go with our fettuccine Alfredo, or simply to serve alongside a few complimentary sides.

I took a few of my husband’s tips and made one small change– the chicken does not only cook on the stovetop. After searing the chicken in a very hot pan, it’s transferred to the oven to finish cooking. This saves the house from too much spicy smoke, and also expedites the cooking process on the chicken without drying it out.

The result is perfect blackened chicken with a crust that is bursting with flavor, and tender white meat inside. 

Amazing Blackened Chicken

We start with a homemade spice rub made of several spices. Y’all. This chicken is going to be popping with flavors! Plus, since you are making the spice rub yourself, you can easily adjust the heat. I wouldn’t recommend reducing the peppers, but if you want a spicier finished product, you can double the cayenne.

The key to a perfectly crispy exterior on this chicken is two-fold:

1. Rub the chicken with melted butter, add the spices, then brown in an otherwise dry pan.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is nice and hot! (Typically, I don’t heat cast iron skillets over medium. It isn’t necessary and can cause sticking. But this is an occasion when I break that rule).

The chicken breasts brown for 5 minutes on each side, before being moved to the oven. If you’re using a cast iron pan, or another oven-safe pan, you can simply transfer the pan straight into the oven for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

If you don’t already have an instant read thermometer, they are a must-have tool in the kitchen. Use a thermometer to measure the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 160. The temperature will rise slightly more as the chicken rests.

In the meal pictured above, we enjoyed our blackened chicken with Skillet Cornbread, Herb Rice Pilaf (from my cookbook), sautéed squash and zucchini, and white corn from the freezer.

IT WAS AN AMAZING MEAL.

I also highly recommend trying this blackened chicken with fettuccine Alfredo and roasted broccoli. The creamy Alfredo sauce (here’s an easy recipe with just 5 ingredients) pairs so well with the spicy chicken and crispy broccoli. It is always a crowd pleaser.

Lastly, we are huge fans of Lodge cast iron skillets in our home. If you don’t already own a cast iron skillet, I highly recommend checking out Lodge. We own several and have been so happy with them. If you are hesitant about cooking with cast iron, or taking care of the pans, I have an excellent resource for you here.

And, as always, I’d love to know if you try this recipe! Come back and leave a comment and rating, and be sure to tag me @thispilgrimlife when you share on social media!

Recommended Resources :: 

• Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
• ThermoPro Instant Read Thermometer

More Like This :: 

• One Small Change That Will Totally Improve Your Cooking
• Basic Spice List & Tips for Keeping Spices Fresh
• 15 Things You Need to Know About Cast Iron
• Easy 5-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce
• Best Ever Ranch Dressing

1

Amazing Blackened Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 6 reviews

• Author: Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 breasts
• Category: meat
• Method: sauteeing/baking

Print Recipe

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Description

Easy, FLAVORFUL blackened chicken with a spicy, crisp exterior and a juicy interior. This blackened chicken is coated with a homemade spice rub, starts in a hot skillet, and finishes cooking in the oven.

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp high quality butter
• 3 chicken breasts

Spice Rub

• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 1 tsp granulated onion
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne powder*

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Mix together the spice rub in a small dish. Preheat a cast iron pan over medium high heat. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Rub 2 teaspoons of the melted butter on each side of the chicken breasts. Rub 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture on each side of the chicken breasts.
3. Use tongs to place the chicken breasts in the hot preheated pan. (You should be able to feel the heat radiating off the pan before you add the chicken. Do not add extra oil). Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side.
4. Place the chicken in the skillet into the preheated oven. Cook for 15 more minutes, until the chicken registers 160 when measured with a meat thermometer. (The temperature will continue to rise slightly after you take it out of the oven).
5. Slice and serve**.

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Notes

* this amount of cayenne gives the chicken great flavor with a small kick. If you want spicier blackened chicken, double the cayenne.

** This chicken is delicious served on its own, but it is also great in fettuccine and on salads!

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The cold days that call for chilis and hearty comfort dishes are making their leave, and spring and summer are rolling in. The sun and heat and fresh bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables call for a different kind of eating.

I don’t know about you, but I AM HERE FOR IT! Bring on the salads, and pastas made with garden veggies, and generally lighter, faster dishes. 

One thing I do at the beginning of a new season is to make a seasonal menu to use when trying to think of what’s for dinner (or for lunch). Even though I know the “kind” of food I want to eat, I can still come up blank when it’s time to actually pick a specific meal. Having a list of options ready to go helps me TREMENDOUSLY. And I want to share that with you.

(scroll to the bottom of this post to find links to more seasonal menus and meal planning inspiration)

I put together a list of 70 dinner ideas for spring and summer, divided into categories– because every night does not call for the same kind of recipe. The dinner menu is divided into:

1. Family Favorites
2. Low-Prep & Quick
3. On the Grill/Smoker
4. Fresh & Seasonal
5. Salads
6. From the Freezer
7. Hospitality
8. Sides

There isn’t only one right way to use this dinner menu. My hope is that it serves you in whatever way you need it to.

Maybe you print this menu and only cook from this list over the spring and summer. Maybe you need that kind of help– taking a lot of searching and decision-making off your plate. (If this is you, save this specific page to your home screen so you have quick access to the recipe links). 

Or, maybe you save this post and come back when you are looking for a new recipe to try when you’re making your meal plan, or when you need a quick dinner idea during the week.

OR, maybe you scroll through and get inspired to make your own spring and summer dinner menu. You can print off a blank version of the menu and fill in your own favorite recipes in the eight categories.

SAVE.PRINT.SHARE.EAT WELL! 

Spring & Summer Dinner Menu

FAMILY FAVORITES

• Easy Homemade Stromboli (pictured above)
• Pan Fried Chicken Strips 
• Homemade Pizza (my super simple thin crust pizza dough & 8 pizza sauce ideas)
• Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
• Instant Pot Shepherd’s Pie
• Fried Catfish/Fish
• Easy Skillet Chicken Carbonara
• Taco Night
• Beef Enchiladas with IP Homemade Sauce
• Instant Pot Cheeseburger All-the-Way Pasta (in my cookbook)

LOW-PREP & QUICK

• Tastiest Easy Sliders (pictured above)
• 30 Minute Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
• Sheetpan Nachos
• Skillet Tortellini Bake
• Honey Mustard Ham & Pesto Melts
• Instant Pot Herb Chicken & Rice
• Sheetpan Sausage & Root Veg
• 30 Minute Fried Rice
• Instant Pot Jerk Chicken Drumsticks (in my cookbook)
• Blackened Fish Tacos (in my cookbook)

ON THE GRILL/SMOKER

• Greek Chicken & Vegetable Kabobs (pictured above)
• Brats with saurkraut
• Marinated London Broil
• Cheeseburgers and/or hot dogs
• Smoked Pork Butt/Whole Chicken
• Steaks
• Grilled Pork Chops
• Cedar Plank Salmon
• Flank Steak Fajitas
• Marinated Grilled Chicken (5 easy chicken marinades from Gimme Some Oven)

FRESH & SEASONAL 

• Garden Fresh Pasta Primavera (pictured above)
• Black Bean & Spinach Egg Rolls
• Spring Green Risotto (recipe coming soon)
• Fettuccine with Sausage & Blistered Tomatoes
• BLTs
• Sheetpan Shrimp Boil (recipe from Damn Delicious)
• Skillet Crab Cakes
• 5-Minute Super Greens Pesto with pasta
• Buddha Bowls
• Instant Pot Creamy Clam Chowder (in my cookbook)

SALADS

• Simple Summer Pasta Salad (pictured above)
• Chicken Caesar Salad
• 10 Easy Homemade Salad Dressings
• Southwest Black Bean Pasta Salad (recipe coming soon)
• IP Ridiculously Easy Chicken Breast & Salad Bar
• Greek Pasta Salad (recipe from Skinnytaste)
• Homemade Chicken Salad
• Our Favorite Tuna Salad
• Summer Panzanella (recipe from DELISH)

FROM THE FREEZER

• Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes (pictured above)
• Easy Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie
• Make-ahead meatballs & marinara 
• Chicken Potstickers (we get ours from Costco)
• Vegetable Egg Rolls (we get ours from Costco)
• Black Bean Burgers (we get ours from Costco)

HOSPITALITY

• Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches (in my cookbook or get a venison version here) (pictured above)
• Build Your Own Burrito Bar
• Blackened Chicken Alfredo with Roasted Broccoli
• Instant Pot Shredded Barbecue Pork
• Grill + BYOM (bring your own meat)
• Instant Pot Salsa Verde Shredded Pork Tacos (in my cookbook)
• Instant Pot Rosemary Honey Ham (in my cookbook)
• Sunday Best Pot Roast (in my cookbook)

SIDES

• Roasted Zucchini Spears with “Secret Sauce” (pictured above)
• Roasted Carrot Fries
• Sauteed Garlicky Greens
• IP Corn on the Cob
• Roasted Okra Fries
• Blistered Garlic Green Beans
• Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
• Rosemary Parmesan Squash Casserole
• Sauteed zucchini & onions
• Grilled/roasted asparagus
• Instant Pot Stone-Ground Grits
• Amazing Dilly Ranch Potatoes (in my cookbook)
• Herb Rice Pilaf (in my cookbook)

Get the Printable Menu ::

• PRINT THE SPRING & SUMMER DINNER MENU
• PRINT A BLANK VERSION 

Print off whichever version you prefer and tuck it in your planner or purse, or tape it on the inside of a cabinet. I hope it helps to relieve some of the pressure of meal planning this season, and helps you to eat a variety of delicious dishes!

I would love to see your menus wherever you keep them! If you share on social media, please tag me, @thispilgrimlife, so I can see! If you find it helpful, consider sharing it with your friends. 

MORE LIKE THIS ::

• Summer Lunch Menu
• Simple Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping Routine
• Adventure Day Food Ideas & Printable Menu
• 50+ Fresh Summer Vegetable Recipes & Resources

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!

The post Spring & Summer Dinner Menu (with Free Printable) appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.