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T he lunar calendar is shared by China, Taiwan, Korea and
Japan. 2016 is the year of the Fire Monkey (a "Fire Monkey"
year occurs every 60 years).The Monkey is the ninth sign in
Chinese astrology; it is associated with ambition, activity, smartness,
mischief and adventure.The Chinese lucky color for 2016 is red for
the element of fire.
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! Happy New Year!
Across China, and in Asian communities with large populations of
Chinese decent like Yaowaraj, Thailand, preparations for Chinese
Lunar New Year start seven days before New Year’s Eve, the kickoff
to the Spring Festival. Cleaning, shopping, decorating and cooking
are priority.
Food and family are central to the 4,000-year-old celebration. On
New Year’s Eve, generations of family gather for a Reunion Dinner
of symbolic food, like fish,which is believed to bring money and luck
in the New Year (think of it as the Chinese version of black-eyed
peas and cabbage). The Reunion Dinner is traditionally followed
by the gifting of lucky money — cash-filled red envelopes given by
parents to their children (red is considered a lucky color in China).
In China, the Spring Festival lasts three days and is marked by bell
ringing, firecrackers, fireworks, street parades, dragon dances and the
preparation and consumption of ceremonial food. Ritualistic food is
also significant to Taiwan’s celebration, and Korea’s. But while fish
is central to the meals in China and Taiwan, and soup is the star
during Korea’s Seollal, Vietnamese ancestral tribute meals feature a
boiled chicken. Thị t gà (boiled or steamed chicken) is traditionally
served during the Tế t Nguyên Đán family meal.
CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR
February 8, 9, 10th
Year of the Fire Monkey
8 ounces cream cheese
3 large garlic cloves, pressed or diced
1 cup canned artichoke hearts, diced
6 Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomato Halves in Oil, diced
1/3 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 ½ TBSP fresh basil leaves, diced
½ TSP dried Italian seasoning
¼-1/2 TSP cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Hot Artichoke and
Sun Dried Tomato Dip
Score a Touchdown!
In a baking dish, blend cream cheese, garlic, and
artichoke hearts. Add the Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried
Tomatoes, parmesan cheese and basil. Stir together until
well blended. Flatten dip to an even layer in pan. Sprinkle
top with the Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper to
taste. Bake at 375º degrees for 16-18 minutes. Dip
should be golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool
for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite cracker.
For more recipes go to
CHINA