This Thursday, February 3, ushers in the Year of the Rabbit according to the Chinese zodiac; if you are Vietnamese, it will be the Year of the Cat. Whatever your animal choice, make a dumpling for fun. It's a terrific group activity and good party fare.
A few posts to help you:
Many recipes in Asian Dumplings are good for Lunar New Year celebrations. The classic for Chinese New Year celebrations in northern China are poached water dumplings (shuijiao) though you can panfry or steam them too. If you go that route, make the dough and filling and then get your family and friends do the rest of the work! It's actually not work when you make jiaozi — or any dumpling for that fact, because you're chatting and goofing around with friends. Or, maybe make a spring roll? They are suppose to resemble gold bars.
Okay, just make an Asian dumpling that tickles your fancy! In the book, check recipe do-ahead hints to lessen your potential for New Year crankiness. You're suppose to relax and enjoy this holiday! Some dishes to go along with those dumplings:
- Chinese Daikon Radish Cakes (Luo Bo Gao)
- Sugar Egg Puffs (Bai Tang Sha Weng)
- Watermelon Radish and Cucumber Salad
- Chilled Cucumber with Garlic
- Silver Pin Noodles with Chicken, Bean Sprouts, and Scallion (on Vietworldkitchen.com)
Check the recipe indices on this site and Viet World Kitchen for more ideas.
Related post: The Lazy Person's Guide to Celebrating Tet (1/31/11 on Vietworldkitchen.com)