Does anyone know a good recipe for the Chinese New Year?
Most of the dishes served during Chinese New Year (also known as Spring Festival) are symbolic of something positive and hopeful. Chicken and fish, for example, symbolize happiness and prosperity–especially when served whole. Dishes made with oranges represent wealth and good fortune because they are China’s most plentiful fruit. Noodles represent longevity; therefore, they should never be cut! Duck symbolizes fidelity, while eggs signify fertility. Bean curd or tofu, however, is avoided because its white color suggests death and misfortune. Dishes are also chosen based on homonyms–words that either are spelled the same or sound the same as other words. Fish (yu) is served because it sounds similar to the Chinese word for plenty; whole fish represents abundance. Turnips are cooked because their name (cai tou) also means “good luck.” Chinese Tea Leaf Eggs 8 eggs 1 teaspoon salt 3 cups water 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon black soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons black tea l
