Now that we’re all done Christmas shopping, and beginning to notice those ten extra eggnog and brandy pounds, it’s time to make our New Years Resolutions. Many may be turning to New Year’s Eve traditions to ensure good luck in the quest for a financially successful, more spiritually awakened, or physically fit 2011. After all, it takes more than just will power to become a more healthy, diligent and conscientious person overnight, even if it’s the night of December 31st.

Most of us are familiar with the traditional New Year’s Eve menu. Or at least the majority of it. Though you may have wondered why everything had to be so high in fiber on New Year’s Day. (Who doesn’t want to start their year with a clean colon?)

For every dish that has withstood the test of time through the generations, there is a specific symbolic purpose. So here’s something to chew on, as you cook up your black eyed peas, pork, fish, and cabbage stew, all with a side of grapes and a doughnut for dessert.

I have a great joke involving a duck and grapes, but that has nothing to do with the NY, so I’ll stow it. The practice of eating grapes at the stroke of midnight comes from a Spanish tradition. One grape for each stroke of the clock initially became a popular idea in an effort to control the seasonal grape surplus. The idea stuck, and now we’re popping grapes when the ball drops.

Everyone knows greens are high in fiber and low in calories, so they can get you on your way to dropping the winter layer, but why are they traditionally significant? Leafy greens, according to superstition, represent money. It is a popular beleif that the more greens you consume, the more financially successful you will be in the year to come. Also, you will have no problem passing, um, bills.

The most popular legume in the midnight tradition is the black-eyed pea. More than just an astoundingly successful hip hop group, this little legume is symbolic of financial prosperity. Their small, seed-like appearance resembles a coin that swells when cooked. They are also high in calcium, folate, and of course, fiber.

Well, no wonder the three little pigs did so well for themselves that wolfie wanted a piece. Pork stands for progress. This stubborn animal will push forth and root itself. And of course, due to its size, the pig signifies wealth. Oink.

And while we’re eating pigs, pigs are eating doughnuts. Oh, wait, wrong kind of pig. Pass me the apple fritter. Why is there a COIN in this?! You could have killed me! Cake and cake-like deserts are a common tradition around the world to cap of the NY feast. It is popular to consume cakes that are round in shape with a whole in the middle. It is also a common practice to serve cakes or doughnuts etc. with one serving containing a coin or other symbolic token. The lucky recipient will find good luck and prosperity in the New Year… provided they don’t choke on their good luck charm.

Personally, I think beer drinking should be symbolic of floating to the top… We’ll see if that one catches on.

Happy cooking, and best wishes in sticking to your New Years guns, whatever they may be. If you happen to need a salt box for your traditions, we have some nice ones made of bamboo. Happy New Year from the Bambu Batu crew.

Alright kids. Settle down.

While on one end of the country, we have McDonald’s representatives giving McSeminars to little kids about how to eat healthier…at McDonald’s… we have, on the left coast, San Fransisco BANNING the sale of Happy Meals. Maybe, in Oklahoma, McDonald’s serves up reasonable portions, uses fresh ingredients, and operates more like an In-N-Out. Not good for you, not bad for you…

Anyway. It’s all happening… in San Fransisco. This week, across the Golden Gate, they have successfully curbed the Golden Arches’ youth marketing. The San Fransisco Board of Supervisors has approved an ordinance that effectively bans the Happy Meal. The guidelines of the ordinance give specific nutritional qualifications that all restaurants must meet, if they want to include a toy with a meal. This comes as an effort to combat childhood obesity.

The parameters of the ordinance include maximum sodium, fat, and saturated fat levels, calorie guidelines, and require that either fruits or vegetables be sold with a meal if a toy is to be included.

Theoretically, this doesn’t eliminate the possibility for Happy Meals in SF, but it does drastically change the face of the childhood treat.

McDonald’s has voiced a protest on the grounds that the ordinance not only restricts businesses, but also takes away parental control.

Personally, I say go forth, SF, and fight for your kids. I understand the concern about freedoms being taken away from America’s consumers. But we have ourselves an epidemic. An epidemic of children who can’t run more than ten yards without wheezing, and not because of respiratory problems. No one has banned the Big Mac. No one has outlawed the Hamburgler. It’s just a step to make sure that tomorrows children can, well, take steps.

If it’s just a toy you’re after, come in and see us. We have some pretty cute and PC toys, without the grease!

Song of the Day Soul Food- The Goody Mob

I was at the grocery store the other day, with my better half. We were trying to pinch some pennies. We were in the produce department when the following happened. I swear, I’m not making this up. I went to grab a bundle of spinach, and no joke, out of my significant other’s mouth, came “Oh, that’s organic, that’s too expensive.”

Now, he was right. That was just more money than we had to spend on spinach. I had to think about that statement though. There’s a reason income is the closest linked factor to obesity and health.

Then again, I know plenty of people, who will contest the merits of buying organic based on the price tag, only to drive to the nearest gas station after, and fill up their suburban or unnecessarily large truck with gas, and spend fifteen or so dollars buying candy and sodas at the convenience store.

What can we do to save money, the earth, and our bodies all in one? Organicitsworthit.org has the answers. I decided to bring them to you.

• More Is less: This may be obvious, but it’s good to have a reminder. Many products come at a better price when bought in large quantities, so buy in bulk when it makes sense.
• Tis The Season: It takes a lot less effort to get something to the consumer that is in bloom NOW, so buy things that are in season.
• Grandmama Tried: While it may be irritating to get stuck in line behind a little old lady wielding paper and scissors, remember; she didn’t make it to a hundred and four spending all of her dough. Clip those coupons to save the planet without going bankrupt.
• Hometown Goodness: Farmer’s Markets are a fun way to support your local farmers, eat organic, and save money
• Good Ol’ Home Cookin’: It’s not only better for you, but it saves money. It always has, and it always will. Cooking organic vegetables at home is no exception to the rule.
• Choose Your Battles: If you have to narrow it down, chose to buy organic versions of the products that you go for the most often, thereby reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals, and lowering your impact on the environment. Hooray for moderation!
• The Ace of Clubs: Joining a buyer’s club is rapidly becoming an effective way to save money on produce.

Have more questions? Come in and see us at Bambu Batu. We have a great Shirt you can sport, broadcasting to the world the pride you have for supporting your local farmers! Think green and eat greens (that were organically grown, of course!)

Song of the Day: Amish Paradise- Weird Al Yankovic (He’s a local!!)