Good Luck To All

In keeping with the food theme and Friday the 13th here are some interesting food superstitions. Most of this information was obtained from Factmonster and HGTV websites.

Food and Superstitions

The ancient Egyptians thought onions kept evil spirits away. When they took an oath (made a promise), they placed one hand on an onion.

The custom of throwing rice at weddings goes back to the time when people thought rice, a symbol of health and prosperity, would appease evil spirits so they would not bother the wedding couple.

In Hungary, salt is thrown on the threshold of a new house because it is thought that salt will protect the inhabitants from evil.

Europeans who believed in vampires sprinkled mustard seed on the roof of their homes to keep them away.

Throwing spilled salt over your left shoulder will prevent bad luck.

Eating carrots supposedly improves night vision. However, a cup of spinach works better.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Here's another fun apple myth: Peel the apple until it breaks and toss the rind. Whatever letter it forms is supposedly the first letter of your true love's name.

For many years, Europeans have used garlic as a charm against the evil eye. Some wore bulbs of garlic around their necks. Others placed wreaths of garlic over their doors for protection.

Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

3 lbs of chicken pieces(thighs, legs, breasts)

1/2 cup pesto

40 cloves of garlic(peeled)

1/2 cup chicken stock

Preparation:
Brown chicken pieces, then place in a pan with pesto and garlic cloves. Add chicken stock. Bake at 375 degrees for an hour.