Gung Hay Fat Choy

This weekend is the culmination of Chinese New Year celebration

and in many cities there will be a big,

bright and very festive parade.

Here is San Francisco, where we have one of the largest 

Chinese populations outside of mainland China.,

the streets, shops and temples of Chinatown have been 

overflowing with signs of celebration.

The color red is everywhere as it represents wealth and happiness,

orange and tangerine trees grace the doorways representing

good health and long life, tangerines with leaves attached

 are said to bring long lasting relationships.

There are so many deep rooted traditions and customs,

which many of us like to think, transcend the Chinese culture.

I love having a dinner, to celebrate, the new year,

the gift of friendship, and to share good wishes

for prosperity and long life.

I've decided to share a few of my favorite recipes here.

Braised Soy Sauce Chicken

Chiang-yu-chi

This is awesome! I found it years ago in a cookbook I'd gotten 

from the library. (this recipe is exactly the same)

A 4½-to 5-pound roasting chicken

2 cups cold water 2 cups soy sauce

¼ cup Chinese rice wine, or pale dry sherry

5 slices peeled, fresh ginger root about 1 inch in diameter and 1/8 inch thick

1 whole star anise, or 8 sections star anise

¼ cup rock candy broken into small pieces, or substitute 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon sesame-seed oil

Sesame Chile Sauce

(someone gave me this recipe- 

and if I could figure out a way to bottle it- I think I could retire)

1 8oz jar Plum Sauce

1/3 C Hoisin Sauce 1/4 C Soy Sauce

3TBS Honey   3TBS Water

2 Cloves Minced Garlic 2 tsp Grated Gingerroot

11/2 Asian chili Sauce 1/2tsp 5 Spice Powder

Combine all ingredients in saucepan,

cook until bubbly, then simmer for 5 min

(I cannot emphasize how good this is with the chicken)

(This slaw is actually hot and sweet-and very refreshing!

 I like to up the cabbage and carrots 

and reduce the sugar to taste)

Hunan Hot and Sour Dressing For Noodles

(These noodles are so good- you'll want them for breakfast/lunch and dinner the next day)

• 4 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter ( or combination of the two)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hot red hot pepper oil (or use Asian chili sauce)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons corn oil or 2 tablespoons sunflower oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon scallions, minced
• 1 tablespoon white wine
• 1 teaspoon hot mustard (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups broth ( chicken or vegetable)Mix together in blender, pour over and mix withAsian noodles (found in refrigerated section)
  These recipes are really super simple. (Trust me) Of course, because abundance is the name of the game for this celebration, you really cannot have too much food on the table...I also like to serve Mongolian Orange Beef,Barbecued Ribs, Asparagus with Black Bean Sauce,Tangy Spinach with Peanuts
  So, Raise The Red Lantern and enjoy!Gung Hay Fat Choyxo