That Lucky New Year's Pig

You know what's great about New Year's Eve? It's the time of the lucky pig -- the special day when porcine pleasures are welcomed and almost prayed upon. As Epicurious points out, one of the most ubiquitous lucky foods come the New Year is pig -- the super-tasty animal said to "symbolize progress. The animal pushes forward, rooting itself in the ground before moving." (Not to mention the link between rich and fatty foods and well-fed prosperity.)

Our piggy friends pop up in New Years fare near and far, whether it's the beauty of a whole-roasted pig in areas like Cuba, or just the simple inclusion of pork products in some good ol' Southern lucky foods.

Bacon, pork, pancetta, prosciutto, ham -- no matter what your piggy pleasure is, now is the time to dig in. And if anyone asks why you're digging into a bacon-wrapped ham with bacony mashed taters, a bacon martini, and bacon cookies -- you're just insuring that you have the best of luck in 2010.