HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
The Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the New Moon. This year it falls on February 14th - Valentine's Day - and is "The Year of the Tiger!" So even if you're not in a "love relationship" you'll have a reason to celebrate and have a party that weekend!
There are some traditional Chinese customs, foods, and colors that can inspire you and get you pointed in the right direction. Don't be afraid to have some fun with it and use your imagination. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
There are some traditional Chinese customs, foods, and colors that can inspire you and get you pointed in the right direction. Don't be afraid to have some fun with it and use your imagination. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Lettuce wraps are a fun and easy traditional Chinese food. They are served at New Year's because the Cantonese word for lettuce sounds like rising fortune, and are filled with other lucky food such as noodles and peanuts.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of lettuce - any type
- 1 carrot, sliced into thin strips
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1lb ground beef
- 1 tsp. chili-garlic sauce
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbs - soy sauce
- 1 dash of red pepper flakes
- 1 dash rice wine vinegar
You can put all ingredients on a table for your guests to make their own wrap, or you can make them all in advance and place them on a themed serving platter.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of lettuce - any type
- 1 carrot, sliced into thin strips
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1lb ground beef
- 1 tsp. chili-garlic sauce
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbs - soy sauce
- 1 dash of red pepper flakes
- 1 dash rice wine vinegar
You can put all ingredients on a table for your guests to make their own wrap, or you can make them all in advance and place them on a themed serving platter.
Steps
- Heat ground beef, garlic, chopped onion, red pepper, and soy sauce in a large pot or wok on high. Keep stirring and moving the meat until it all breaks up and cooks evenly - about 15 minutes.
- Fluff the cooked rice and place in bowl.
- When meat is done place in a separate bowl. Do not drain.
- Place all other ingredients on serving platter (lettuce, carrots, lime, sliced red onion).
Chinese people are fascinated by the color red not only because of its intoxicating vibrancy, but also because of its rich meaning in Chinese culture and history. It is said that red is the color of the soul of the nation. The color red signifies reunion, health, happiness, harmony, peace and prosperity. So guess what color palette I would suggest for your Chinese New Year's celebration. That's right - red!
Flowers are an important part of the Chinese culture and New Year's is the biggest day in the Chinese flower market. The flowers are said to bring good luck and are given when visiting family for the traditional New Years Eve feast.
Pick up decorative take-out containers from a party supply store and fill them with flowers in shades of reds, golds, and oranges - both in honor of the New Year and the tiger. These sweet petite arrangements can also be given as gifts to your guests when the party is over.
If you start to think outside of the box you'll discover that Chinese take-out containers have a lot of uses. I used one to hold some bamboo handled cutlery. I cut off the tops flaps and filled it half way with red paper shred. I scanned this colorful image of a Chinese tiger and attached it to the front for even more "pop".
Music
Set the mood and play traditional Chinese music for your guests. You can find traditional Chinese instruments at www.sinohits.com. This year in honor of the tiger why not play The Eye of the Tiger by Survivor as well?
Flowers are an important part of the Chinese culture and New Year's is the biggest day in the Chinese flower market. The flowers are said to bring good luck and are given when visiting family for the traditional New Years Eve feast.
Pick up decorative take-out containers from a party supply store and fill them with flowers in shades of reds, golds, and oranges - both in honor of the New Year and the tiger. These sweet petite arrangements can also be given as gifts to your guests when the party is over.
If you start to think outside of the box you'll discover that Chinese take-out containers have a lot of uses. I used one to hold some bamboo handled cutlery. I cut off the tops flaps and filled it half way with red paper shred. I scanned this colorful image of a Chinese tiger and attached it to the front for even more "pop".
Music
Set the mood and play traditional Chinese music for your guests. You can find traditional Chinese instruments at www.sinohits.com. This year in honor of the tiger why not play The Eye of the Tiger by Survivor as well?
Hongbao, which are small red envelopes stuffed with money, are often given to unmarried children on the New Year. You can find these envelopes at party supply stores or online at www.orientaltrading.com.
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