lunar new year spread
a table fit for a new year
It’s like Thanksgiving, but perfectly situated in the dead of winter when there’s truly nothing better than filling a table with Chinese food. Growing up, it was always a family affair. These days, it is a restaurant outing, some home cooking, strategic takeout to piece together a new years meal at some point in the 15 days. And of course the obligatory tangyuan for a lantern-less Lantern Festival.
Someday I’ll celebrate in the homeland. But I have a feeling traditions persist stronger when you feel the need to hold onto it.
A midday trip into Manhattan Chinatown and a more ambitious side quest to Flushing.
A table full of auspicious foods, and well, just other things that seem delicious and complementary.
I mean, when the sun sets at 4pm and temperatures hover just above freezing, what could be better than a table filled with hot dishes. I think I understand the ancestors’ appeal of abundance now.
To be honest, I’ve never been one for “formal” traditional food. But I do respect the symbolism and puns that make for a full table.
— Fish: for abundance and surplus
— Chicken: for family unity
— Dumplings: for wealth and fortune
— Mustard Green: for health and longevity
— Hot Pot: for togetherness
— Radish Cake: for good luck
Since we’re being honest, I must confess that I much prefer savory stir fried rice cakes to the traditional, festive, sweet version.
fruit & sweets for a sweet new year, often accompanied by whatever goodies brought state side from Taiwan, from pineapple cake to nougats and peanut candies to fruit candies.
— Apple: for peace
— Orange: for good luck
— Pineapple: to welcome prosperity
— Rice Cake (Nian Gao): to improve and grow each year
— Tangyuan: for unity
Some creative freedom in the form of a pastry box for the lantern festival
— ong lai bunny linzers: oolong sable with malted pineapple jam (& little bunny cutouts)
— yun xiao full moon snowball cookies: black sesame and peanut filled butter cookies
— ji xiang almond cookies: candied kumquat and cara cara orange almond cookies
— peace and fortune apple dumplings: five spiced black sugar apple filled
Happy year of the dragon 🐉
see also
TAIWANESE PINEAPPLE CAKE TASTING
WINTER COMFORT: SESAME OIL + GINGER