Happy Lunar New Year!!! Gung Hay Fat Chow!
This year marks the year of the Horse on the zodiac calendar.
General characteristics of those born this year are energetic, bright, warm-hearted, kind to others. They like to talk, are entertaining, enjoy large crowds. They never give up and strive to make themselves better. They are independent thinkers and carve their own paths in life.
Our family celebrates the new year with a hearty gathering: an exchange of red envelopes, a traditional 8 course meal and just a basic good time. Our Mom preps all day and all night! Sometimes for weeks. Trust me, she wouldn't have it any other way. Each dish is symbolic. Every family has their stand-bys.
Ours include:
1. Chicken: Health and Family Togetherness (served whole)
2. Noodles: Long Life (served uncut)
3. Eggs: Fertility (our fam likes century eggs)
4. Fish: Prosperity / Abundance (another item served whole!)
5. Seeds: Wealth (this is served in a soup, along with water chestnut: symbolizing unity / wood ear: longevity / black moss: wealth)
6. Shrimp: Liveliness
7. Lettuce: Prosperity (we eat this with a filling for a lettuce roll. the filling also has oysters : good fortune and good luck
8. Sweet Cake: the sweetness to symbolize a rich, sweet life; while the rise of the cake is for "rising" prosperity for the new year. Served in a round shape to symbolize a cohesive family. It's a good way to "sweeten" the New Year.
Just listing these items leaves my mouth watering!
Wanna give some a try for dinner tonight? Here are some suggestions:
1. Chinese Lettuce Cups by Mary Kate Tate & Nate Tate
2. Soy Sauce Chicken by Rasa Malaysia
3. Chinese Marbled Tea Eggs by Steamy Kitchen
4. Shrimp Fried Rice by Wantanmien
bonus: She has her own YouTube channel! She demos every recipe and has English subtitles!
5. Chow Mien Noodles by Rasa Malaysia
No matter which items you decided to include in your celebrations, have a Happy and Prosperous 2014!
xo halloJAK
No comments:
Post a Comment