Symbolic Dishes for Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year begins on January 26, 2009 and the best way to celebrate is with symbolic Chinese dishes, especially if you don't have a Chinese community around you but would like to indulge in the festivities. The new year is the year of the ox according the Chinese calendar. Some Chinese dishes just taste best when they are made at the restaurant but others are equally delicious if made at home. Here are some of my favorite dishes that you can make this Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Cakes symbolize fertility

- 1 & ½ cup flour

- ¼ cup sugar

- 2 tsp baking powder

- ½ tsp salt

- 2 eggs

- 1/3 cup milk

- 1 tbsp oil & oil for deep frying

- 2/3 cup sesame seeds

Mix together the dry ingredients. Beat the eggs and milk separately and oil. Once this is beaten very well add to the dry mixture. Form small balls with the dough and then roll them into the sesame seeds. Heat the oil to about 350 degrees and fry until golden brown. It is best to lay these on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil.

Spring Rolls symbolize wealth

- Oil for frying

- 1 beaten egg

- Salt to taste

- Black pepper to taste

- 4 tbsp minced coriander

- 2 tbsp minced garlic

- 2 tbsp minced ginger

- ½ lbs mushrooms use any kind you like

- 2 carrots finely grated

- ½ cup cabbage

- ½ cup bean sprouts

- 4 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

- 1 package wonton wrappers

Saute garlic, ginger then add the mushrooms and cook for several minutes. Then add the carrots and cabbage and cook until it is nice and wilted. Then add in the cabbage, carrots and cook very well. The cabbage will get very soft and wilted. Add in the salt, pepper, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce. Cook this for a few minutes to fuse the flavors together and then add in the sprouts and cilantro. This is a good time to recheck the seasonings by tasting. Let the mixture cool for a bit. It has to be cool to the touch and very moist but not wet. Use the wontons to create the roll. Most wonton wrappers have directions on how to create the roll so follow them. This is also where you will need the beaten egg to form the rolls. Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350 degrees and deep fry the rolls until golden brown. It is best to drain the excess oil by laying on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve this with your favorite dipping sauce. The Asian markets have great ready made sauces that can be used to dip your spring roll in.

Enjoy.

Happy Chinese New Year to ALL!