The New Year is upon us, and that means it’s time to look forward to a year of new beginnings. While setting goals and resolutions can ensure 2017 is a year of prosperity, there’s a little shortcut that many swear by when it comes to luck for the New Year: black eyed peas.

While this tradition is a largely Southern, it’s made its way to the beautiful state of Wyoming. And we’ve combined the practice of eating black eyed peas on New Years with one of our favorite foods here in the Cowboy State. As far as superstitions go, this chili made with black eyed peas is a delicious one.

You’ll want to start with some black eyed peas.

woodleywonderworks/flickr These little beans date back to the Civil War era, when Confederate soldiers survived off of them during a time when growing food was nearly impossible. Thus, they are believed to bring about health and prosperity.

Next, you can dice up some fresh tomatoes.

esimpraim/flickr Tomatoes, when paired with black eyed peas, signify health and wealth according to the tradition. This winning combo is just the start of our delicious chili.

Now it’s time for the always delicious Wyoming bison meat.

Boris Mann/flickr Here’s where things get creative. You can either prepare the meat as ground beef, as you’d put in chili, or make burgers from it and serve the black eyed peas and tomatoes as a delicious side.

Feel free to add any of your favorite extras to the works.

Sage Tyrtle/flickr Peppers, onions, garlic powder, white beans, green chiles…the list goes on.

Don’t forget the cornbread!

Shawn Rossi/flickr Representing gold and wealth, cornbread is an essential part of this New Year’s recipe.

Now gather up some friends and family and enjoy this delicious Wyoming meal.

thebittenword.com/flickr This recipe might not be the exact solution for happiness in the New Year, but can you imagine a better way to welcome 2017?

For the complete recipe for this festive bison chili, click here. What are some of your favorite traditions to help you ring in the New Year in Wyoming? We’d love to hear from you!

woodleywonderworks/flickr

These little beans date back to the Civil War era, when Confederate soldiers survived off of them during a time when growing food was nearly impossible. Thus, they are believed to bring about health and prosperity.

esimpraim/flickr

Tomatoes, when paired with black eyed peas, signify health and wealth according to the tradition. This winning combo is just the start of our delicious chili.

Boris Mann/flickr

Here’s where things get creative. You can either prepare the meat as ground beef, as you’d put in chili, or make burgers from it and serve the black eyed peas and tomatoes as a delicious side.

Sage Tyrtle/flickr

Peppers, onions, garlic powder, white beans, green chiles…the list goes on.

Shawn Rossi/flickr

Representing gold and wealth, cornbread is an essential part of this New Year’s recipe.

thebittenword.com/flickr

This recipe might not be the exact solution for happiness in the New Year, but can you imagine a better way to welcome 2017?

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