New Year Traditions

Since I was little, we have always had the same breakfast on New Year's Day.  Hoppin John and cornbread.  My mother told us we'd have a day of good luck for every black eyed pea we ate. 

I am, however, picky about my cornbread, and for ages, I had a worn computer print out with my perfect recipe - no corn kernels, no sugar, just pure southern goodness made from corn meal and buttermilk.

In the move, like many other things, the recipe has gone missing.  I have been trawling through recipe sites and wishing I made cornbread more often, so I would just remember the quantities.  I can make a loaf of wheat/spelt bread with my eyes closed, but here I'm stymied.  All the recipes that call themselves "the best" have added nonsense.  Bacon.  Jalapenos.  And sugar.  Buckets and buckets of sugar.  It's not a health thing, I just want nice, savoury bread.

Finally, after a long, long time searching (yes, since you are asking, the search was longer as I had to stop Itsyboo eating chalk, convince Miss A that we don't run around with only our pyjama top on and make snacks - which meant I totally lost my train of thought), I came across this website, which has some pretty good-looking cornbread recipes.  The first one in the comments section looks particularly authentic.  I've got American-style measuring cups, and can convert Fahrenheit to Celsius.  And the website seems to have some other pretty nifty bread recipes for when my family gets tired of the spelt and flour loaf from the River Cottage Baby and Toddler Cookbook.

Do you have any New Year traditions other than popping corks at midnight?  What are your childhood memories or favourite New Year foods?  Do you have any strong feelings about cornbread?