Happy Year of the Ox
The Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival are all different names for the first new moon of the traditional lunisolar calendar of many east Asian countries. This year, on February 12, the festive celebration rings in the Year of the Ox, one of the twelve Chinese zodiacs.
Like any celebration, food is often at its center. For Lunar New Year, the food served is considered the most important part of ringing in the new year to have the best luck in harmony, good fortune, and prosperity for the year ahead.
Wild Mushroom + Daikon Radish Cake
Tangyuan| Sweet Rice Balls with Black Sesame
Nian Gao | Sweet Glutinous Rice Cakes
While the celebration might be smaller than previous years, it is still a beautiful tradition to be shared with the ones we are closest with. Continuing or starting a Lunar New Year tradition begins in the kitchen, and these dishes are as much fun to make as they are to eat. Even if you're cooking for just one or two, if you end up with leftover dumplings, they freeze beautifully so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor at a later date.
Does your family have a traditional Lunar New Year dish? Tell us, we'd love to know. Happy cooking and Happy Lunar New Year from us to you!
