David Theiss: Delicious new year's traditions (recipe)

Food isn't just fuel, it's a language of culture and tradition. And when it comes to new year's, food speaks volumes about hope, good luck, and a taste of what's to come. Let's ditch the bland crackers and explore some mouthwatering ways to usher in the new year:

1. A global gastronomic tour: Take a culinary trip around the world without leaving your table! Serve Spanish lentil soup for prosperity, Japanese soba noodles for long life, Italian lentils and sausages for abundance, or Brazilian black-eyed peas with rice for good fortune. Each bite becomes a cultural adventure and a wish whispered on the tongue.

2. Sweeten the deal with round delights: Circles symbolize completeness and good luck, so embrace the shape! Bake ring donuts for endless possibilities, whip up a lemon Bundt cake for sunshine and wealth, or create fortune cookies filled with handwritten wishes for the year ahead. Every bite is a sweet omen for a full and fruitful year.

3. Color your plate with prosperity: Green represents growth and money, so pile your plate with vibrant greens like collard greens, kale, or spinach. Orange symbolizes gold and luck, so add a splash with mandarin oranges, sweet potatoes, or carrot ribbons. Red signifies passion and fortune, so fire up the barbecue for grilled peppers or whip up a spicy tomato soup. Let your plate be a canvas of vibrant fortune.

4. Share the bread, share the love: Bread, a symbol of community and sustenance, is perfect for new year's gatherings. Make fluffy dinner rolls for warmth and togetherness, bake hearty rye bread for strength and perseverance, or braid challah for good luck and unity. Break and share bread together, letting each bite be a promise of connection in the new year.

5. Dessert dreams for a sweet start: Don't stop at dinner! End the feast with a dessert symbolizing your sweetest hopes. Bake a gingerbread house for building a prosperous future, whip up a honey cake for sweetness and success, or make a pomegranate cake for happiness and abundance. Let dessert be a reminder that life is filled with delicious possibilities.

Remember, food is more than just nourishment; it's a ritual, a story, and a way to connect with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, stir in some tradition, and cook up a new year's feast that promises good fortune, good vibes, and good taste.

And don't forget, the most delicious tradition of all is sharing a meal with people you love, laughing, and making memories that will sweeten the entire year.

Today’s recipe has always been a favorite in my family: Oven brisket. I’ve talked about brisket as a summertime favorite on the smoker, but here is a standard and true way to enjoy brisket using your oven and enjoy this delicious piece of meat in the winter.

Seasonings

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons ground mustard

1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Look at the raw brisket and locate the direction of the grain. You will want to cut it against the grain when it's cooked.

In a small bowl, mix the suggested seasonings, gently rub the spice mix all over the brisket.

Place the brisket, fat side up, on two layers of foil. Seal well to keep moisture in, leave some room for the steam. Place the foil pouch on a foil-lined, baking sheet.

Cook the brisket for 3 hours (about 1 hour per pound) until very tender. Turn off the oven and let the meat rest for 30 minutes. Remove the brisket from the oven and open the foil pouch. Pour the cooking juices into a measuring cup. Turn the oven to broil. Brush the meat with some of its own cooking juices. Broil until the fat browns and starts to crisp, for about 2 minutes.

Slice and serve. The juices are a great base for gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable. And what a winter delight. Enjoy. And to you a happy and prosperous New Year.

David Theiss is owner of Butler Gourmet Meats in Carson City.