Celebrating Chinese New Year

Photo by Joe Laedtke
Rice Cake. This cake takes many forms, but the key ingredient is glutinous (sweet) rice, pounded and made into a cake. Ours were sliced and topped with toasted sesame seeds.
Photo by Joe Laedtke
Dumpling. Dumplings are a group effort, and naturally a welcome part of the Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner. Everyone in the family pitches in to roll, fill, fold and steam these pouches of savory satisfaction.
Photo by Joe Laedtke
Lettuce Cup. Crisp iceberg lettuce filled with fiery and smoky stir fried spring onion, bean curd and minced meat. The contrast of flavors, textures and temperatures harkens forth good fortune in the coming year.
Photo by Joe Laedtke
Mushroom With Pork. Pork dumplings with baby bok choy and mushrooms represent an abundant harvest.
Photo by Joe Laedtke
Seafood in Pineapple. Cai’s special dish of seafood and vegetables in a hollowed out pineapple shows the multiple levels of significance dishes often express. Here, it’s a ship (smooth sailing), the bounty of wealth and also, good fortune.
Photo by Joe Laedtke
Fried Fish With Sweet-Sour Sauce. Cai enjoyed explaining this dish—not actually squirrel fish in species, but because it looks like a flying squirrel after cooking. Scored, deep fried and smothered in sweet and sour sauce, the name means “Every year, more than the last.”
Photo by Joe Laedtke