February 26th, 2007 - Barbara Feiner

I’ve posted three recipes in honor of Chinese New Year: Braised Black Bean Pork, Almond Gel and Sweet Sesame Balls. As the 15-day celebration comes to a close, consider creating a Tray of Togetherness for your family.
Eight is considered the luckiest number in Chinese culture, bringing good fortune and happiness. A traditional Tray of Togetherness features eight special treats, including dried fruit, seeds and nuts. You can find the ingredients at your local natural and organic food store or at a nearby Asian market.
In the example shown here, you’ll see (clockwise from top center):
- Sesame sticks, said to bring many children
- Red melon seeds, because the color symbolizes happiness and joy
- Candied winter melon, representing growth and good health
- Kumquats, because the gold represents prosperity
- Peanuts, signifying longevity
- Lucky money candy, leading to a sweet and prosperous year
- Lotus seeds, attributed to fertility
- Longans (an Asian fruit), said to bring many good sons
And if you want to wish someone good fortune in Cantonese, just say: “Kung Hay Fat Choy.”
Book Pick of the Day: Chinese Healing Foods: Keep Your Body and Soul in Balance with Powerful Natural Foods and Seasonings
Photo courtesy of Panda Express
Tags: chinese new year, holiday, holiday recipes, tray of togetherness
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February 16th, 2007 - Barbara Feiner
Yesterday, we planned for Chinese New Year festivities with a recipe for Sweet Sesame Balls. Today’s dish is a refreshingly light and silky Almond Gel.
All of the ingredients can be found in your local natural and organic food store.
Almond Gel
Makes 6 to 8 servings
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 3 cups Pearl Unsweetened Organic Soymilk
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1¾ teaspoons almond extract
- 1 pound fresh fruit, chopped
- Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup water in small bowl; let stand 10 minutes to soften.
- Meanwhile, combine soymilk and sugar in saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until hot and steaming; do not boil.
- Remove from heat; blend in gelatin and extract.
- Cool slightly and pour into 8-inch square glass baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight until firm.
- To serve, cut gel into 1-inch cubes; place in individual bowls and top with fruit.
Book Pick of the Day: Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook: Recipes from Hunan Province
Recipe courtesy of Kikkoman International Inc.
Tags: almond gel, chinese new year, food recipes, holiday recipes, kikkoman
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