Xin nian kuai le! Happy Chinese New Year
Gung hay fat choy/Gong xi fa cai - wishing you happiness and prosperity.
This year is the year of the ox where hard work will be rewarded. After the turbulent time we have just been through with the year of the rat maybe some hard work and discipline is just what is required to get life back on track.
I love celebrating different holidays, it is a good excuse to cook something different and get together as a family. One of the things I particularly love about Chinese New Year is all of the different meanings that different dishes symbolise for the year ahead.
We decorate the table with red table coverings and napkins and I buy little red envelopes and give everybody some money to wish everybody good wishes and luck for the new year. The red envelopes symbolise good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Kung pao prawns
The dishes below are our absolute favourites. I have recently discovered chiu chow chilli oil which really, really enhances all manner of dishes and dipping sauces.
We all love Chinese food here, it is so flavourful and tasty and full of the things we love. We always try something new and we always eat way too much.
Crispy duck with pancakes
Chinese inspired baby back ribs
Bao buns with char siu pork
Then although not traditionally Chinese, I like a tropical light dessert to finish off a full flavoured spicy meal and our coconut creme brûlée is perfect.