Tag: Chinese New Year

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Recipes

Make Mango Pudding

MangoPudding2_blog

I love mango pudding and always order it when I have yum cha.

What is your favourite dessert to order?

Nothing finishes off a nice meal than a lovely pudding and if it is Mango Pudding it is even better, especially when it tastes of such lovely sweet and tasty mangoes.

Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 very ripe mangoes. I used 5. Peeled and diced, or 5 cups of frozen mango bits (make sure they are thawed before you start) you can get very fresh mangoes to make it even tastier.
  • 395 grams of non-fat sweetened condensed milk
  • Half a cup of water
  • 4 tablespoons of lime juice
  • Gelatine Powder, 4 and a half teaspoons -Use powder and you can see the reason why below
  • Containers or bowls for the mixture to set in. If you wish to remove and serve on a plate for a party you can spray a little bit of oil so that the pudding comes out easily.

In my recipe I have, it listed 2 envelopes of unflavoured gelatin or say 4 and a half teaspoons. I purchased McKenzie’s Gelatine Leaves which are sheets of gelatine and therefore could not put it in a teaspoon as it was not a powder. I looked online and found that McKenzie’s website had a recipe for pannacotta which would have a similar consistency as the mango pudding and it listed using 6 sheets. I used 6 gelatine leaves and it came out very nice and firm, but I think if I used another 2, so 8 sheets in total it would have been very firm like the ones at yum cha. I should have used the powder and will do so next time.

Chopping up fresh and very ripe mangoes
Chopping up fresh and very ripe mangoes

Method

1. I cut up my mangoes first and put all the flesh into a bowl and discarded the peel. I could not help myself but had to have a bit of some as I made this. The smell was overwhelming (the kitchen smelt divine!) and just reminded me of home, Queensland and being a kid. I love mangoes!

Make sure that you put the mangoes in a food processor and make them all smooth. I used a stick blender to zap the mangos and it worked a treat.

2. Once all the mangoes were sorted I tidied up my mess as mangoes seemed to go everywhere.

3. I added the lime juice to the mangoes

4. I got the gelatine sorted. If you have the gelatine leaves you need to soak them in half a cup of water to melt them a bit and then zap them in the microwave until they have melted. It is best to have them in a bowl that can go in the microwave and make sure that after a minute of soaking that you only put the gelatine in the microwave for 10-20secs at a time. This will make sure that you are not boiling the mixture just melting the gelatine.

5. Add the condensed milk and then the gelatine to the mango mixture.

6. Add mixture to your containers and then put in the fridge for 2 hours to set. If you are making this for a party it might be best to do it the day before, this way you will ensure that the puddings are set and there is no need to worry.

All ready to set in the fridge. Mango pudding will be my dessert tonight!
All ready to set in the fridge. Mango pudding will be my dessert tonight!

Recipes for a dinner party

Entree – San Choy Bau

Main – Colourful Dumplings

Dessert – Mango Pudding

Tasting the finished product. It tasted amazing and so mangoey. Loved it and will give it another go. I was very happy as it was my first attempt at making Mango Pudding.
Tasting the finished product. It tasted amazing and so mangoey. Loved it and will give it another go. I was very happy as it was my first attempt at making Mango Pudding.

 

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Note: Originally published 17th Feb 2015, still a super yummy recipe

Categories
Recipes

Hong Kong Style Egg Tarts

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Happy New Year and welcome the Year of the Green Snake!

To celebrate I decided to make Hong Kong Style Egg Tarts, inspired by Tasty.co, although mine are a little different. I used brown sugar instead of white sugar and the tarts look a little browner than the standard egg tarts. However, they still taste very yummy and just as egg tarts should.

INGREDIENTS

TART PASTRY

I cheated and used the frozen shortcrust pastry to make my tart shells. I did want to get the premade casings from the shops but couldn’t find the ones I needed. You can make your own pastry and not use premade.

CUSTARD FILLING

4 eggs, beaten eggs
¾ cup water(180 mL), hot
6 tablespoons sugar – I used brown sugar…as I couldn’t find the white sugar.
Pinch of salt
¼ cup evaporated milk (60 mL)
A drop of vanilla extract

METHOD

Preheat your oven to 200˚C or 400˚F

Step 1: With a little butter grease a muffin tin to ensure that

Step 2: Take your dough and use a small ball to push into each area of the muffin tin to create the pastry cases. I rolled my dough for each casing into a ball, then flattened it out to be flat. Once I thought that looked like enough to go into the space for each tart, I then added it and pressed it around to ensure that it was all one consistent thickness and all the edges were level. I made sure to then have all the casings done for 1 muffin tin.

Step 3: Add hot water to a jug or bowl, then add the sugar and salt so that it is fully dissolved.

Step 4: Beaten the eggs, add the sugar, add the evaporated milk, and now add the vanilla essence.

Step 5: Mix all ingredients together, now grab another jug or bowl and a strainer. Strain the mixture to make sure it has no lumps.

Step 6: Put in the fridge for a little bit to make sure it is cooled down – leave for around 10 minutes to ensure it is cool enough to pour into the pastry cases.

Step 7: Pour custard mixture into pastry cases and make sure to fill around 70-80% of the cases. I filled some up too far to the top. Still taste great but the better-looking ones had custard that wasn’t as high to the edge of the pastry cases.

Step 8: Bake for around 20 minutes. The tarts are done when the custard filling is not really wobbly and a toothpick can stand up in the tart.

Free downloads for Chinese New Year

More food to make during the Lunar New Year Celebrations

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Colourful Dumplings

 Gong Xi Fa Chi everyone!  

I hope you all have a prosperous, healthy and happy new year.

What Chinese animal are you?

I for one am an Ox, hubby is a Monkey, my girls are Rats and my little boy is a Goat/Sheep. 

Would you like to find out what Chinese horoscope you are? Chinese Astrology Online has some great horoscopes and information.

Since it is Chinese New Year what better way to celebrate than dumplings!

Have you thought of making your very own? It is easy but time-consuming so don’t think it will be quick to organise. Making the dough, and getting the stuffing is easy, it just takes ages to put it all together. It is worth the effort as homemade dumplings are tasty and made just as you like them.

I was so happy to sit down and drink after I finished. I then left the steaming and organising to hubby as I had enough and was ready to eat my wonderful colourful creations.

Colourful dumplings waiting to be cooked
Colourful dumplings waiting to be cooked

Ingredients to make the wrapper:

  • 3 cups of plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon of oil
  • 2-3 cups of water. 1 cup hot and the others lukewarm. If you wish to add colour to the dough make the water be carrot juice or beetroot juice. I made the dough and separated it into 3 lots, so to have different colours. In hindsight, I should have done smaller batches of the dough and made the colour from scratch while making the dough. Doing it the long way round meant having to add more flour and most likely weaker colours. My dough from the carrot juice was more yellow and not orange, and the beetroot one was more of a pink, not a deep reddish colour.
My different coloured dough for the wrappers. Beetroot on left, Carrot in middle and Plain on right
My different coloured dough for the wrappers. Beetroot on left, Carrot in middle and Plain on right

Ingredients for the stuffing of the dumpling:

  • Chicken Mince if you would like them to be meat-based, if not just add vegetables.
  • 1 Carrot & 1 cucumber grated or finely chopped. I chose to grate them as it gives a finer consistency and allows them to fit better in the wrapper.
  • Finely sliced shallots
  • Some coriander, just a sprinkling to give a bit of flavour
  • Soy Sauce
  • Chilli flakes
  • A little bit of cornflour to hold the mixture together. Say a spoonful or so. Mix it and see if it needs a bit more.
  • If you fancy other things to add to the mixture give it a go. You can be creative as you like and if you have certain things in the fridge use them and see what you can create.

Sauce

  • Soy Sauce
  • Dumpling Sauce
  • Rice wine vinegar
  • Chilli flakes or fresh-cut chillies

Method

Make the dough, then get the stuffing organised. Make sure to have a cool tea towel over the dough so it does not dry out. Once ready, section off parts of the dough and create little pancakes ready for the stuffing to sit into. See the image below.

Adding the stuffing to the wrapper
Adding the stuffing to the wrapper

Once you have the right amount on the wrapper, pull the end up and tweak it so it becomes a little parcel. I am not the best at doing this and my dumplings are not all the same size as you are meant to do. Although it did not cause a problem.  The only thing that can go wrong is that ingredients might not cook and it could be too doughy due to it being too big. So be careful.

Once all done I lined them up on greaseproof paper on a tray to make life easier. Once all were complete they were then transferred to the steaming pots.

Waiting to be cooked. I'm super hungry now after making them.
Waiting to be cooked. I’m super hungry now after making them.
All cooked and ready to eat.
All cooked and ready to eat.

I hope you enjoy your Chinese New Year meals and maybe this has inspired you to cook your own dumplings. Enjoy!

For your Chinese New Year Celebration you can also make the following:

Check out the craft resources for kids below:

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Roaring into Prosperity: Celebrating Chinese New Year 2024, the Year of the Dragon!

As the lunar calendar flips its pages, get ready to dive into the vibrant whirlwind of Chinese New Year festivities! 🌟 This annual extravaganza is not just a celebration but a joyous reunion of tradition, symbolism, and cultural flair! And in 2024, we’re rolling out the red carpet for the majestic Year of the Dragon—a symbol of power, prosperity, and all-around good vibes! 🐉💰

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Chinese New Year starts on Saturday, February 10th 2024 and ends on January 28, 2025. The Dragon is the 5th animal in the 12-year cycle, and this year the symbol is wood, so it is known as the year of the Wood Dragon.

“The Wood Dragon is the most creative and visionary of the dragons. They are optimistic, ambitious and adventurous. They like to explore new ideas and challenge themselves. They are also generous, compassionate and loyal to their friends.

Therefore, the Year of the Dragon in 2024 is expected to be a time of visionary leaders, innovators and problem solvers. 2024 is also predicted to be a great year to start new projects, explore new opportunities and create value for yourself and others.”

https://www.thechinesezodiac.org/year-of-the-dragon/

Unveiling the Magic of Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, isn’t just any old celebration—it’s a blockbuster event that ignites hearts and minds across the globe! 🎆 Rooted in centuries-old customs and beliefs, this festival is the ultimate ode to family, feasting, and paying homage to our ancestors.

What’s the Buzz about the Year of the Dragon? Hold onto your hats because 2024 is bringing in the big guns with the Year of the Dragon! 🚀 Symbolising strength, courage, and success, those born under this fire-breathing sign are destined for greatness! 🔥 And as the Dragon takes centre stage, get ready for a rollercoaster ride of prosperity, good fortune, and brand-spanking-new opportunities!

Explore your horoscope and unveil the exciting insights awaiting you in 2024.
Grab your Year of the Dragon horoscope books, t-shirts, drink glasses and earrings here

Let’s Celebrate in Full Swing: Embracing the Year of the Dragon 2024 with Zest and Zing! 🐲🎉

  1. Reunion Rendezvous: Gather your tribe for a feast fit for kings and queens! 🍜 Dive into dumplings, slurp up some longevity noodles, and feast like there’s no tomorrow! It’s all about abundance and living the good life! 🥟

  2. Lion and Dragon Shenanigans: Brace yourself for a jaw-dropping spectacle as lion and dragon dances take over the streets! 🦁💃 With drums pounding and cymbals clanging, these performances are not just about warding off evil spirits but about unleashing a tidal wave of prosperity and positivity!

  3. Red Envelopes Bonanza: Get ready to play Santa Claus with those lucky red envelopes filled with cash surprises! 💸 Spread the love, share the wealth, and watch the good karma come rolling in! 💌💰 Grab red envelopes and other decorations here

  4. Fireworks Frenzy & Lantern Love: Light up the night sky with a kaleidoscope of colours and watch those evil spirits scurry away! 🎇 Let your wishes soar high with every flicker of the flame and every flick of the lantern! 🏮

  5. Temple Visits: Pay homage to ancestors and seek blessings for the year ahead by visiting temples and making offerings. Lighting incense, burning paper offerings, and praying for prosperity are common rituals during this time. 🙏 Light some incense, make a wish or two, and soak in the good vibes—it’s a spiritual journey like no other! 🕯️

  6. Dress to Impress: Dust off those traditional threads and strut your stuff like a superstar! 👘 Whether you’re rocking a cheongsam, it’s all about embracing your inner fashionista and owning the spotlight! 💃🕺

Events around Australia to celebrate Chinese New Year:

As we bid adieu to the old and embrace the new, let’s welcome the Year of the Dragon with open arms and hearts full of hope, joy, and endless possibilities!

🎉 May this year be filled with prosperity, success, and happiness galore! Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Wishing you prosperity) 🎆✨

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Creative

FREE DOWNLOAD: Year of the Rat Lantern Craft

Chinese New Year is nearly here, and one great way to get kids involved is with craft.

Example of what the Year of the Rat lantern looks like - download yours now
Example of what the Year of the Rat lantern looks like – download yours now

I’ve updated my printable Chinese lantern for The Year of the Rat!  Yes now, you can have your house decorated with these cute little lanterns that your kids created.

All you need to do is to sign up with your email address, once confirmed your PDF download will be instantly sent to you. It’s that easy!

 

I hope you enjoy this printable.

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Recipes

Make Vietnamese Spring Rolls

I’ve never made Vietnamese Spring Rolls before and thought they looked hard. However, they were super easy to create.

So what do you need to make Vietnamese Spring Rolls?

  • Rice Paper Wrappers
  • Carrot – Grated
  • Cooked Chicken – You can add prawns, beef or anything else that takes your fancy
  • Lettuce/bok choy
  • Bean shoots
  • Water Chesnuts
  • Soy Sauce, chilli flakes or a special spring roll sauce of your choosing.

 

All my ingredients for the inside of my spring rolls.
All my ingredients for the inside of my spring rolls.

 

See diagram on how to fold the spring rolls. I didn't see this at first and my first ones were not as good. The other ones were better, but I think I need more practice.
See diagram on how to fold the spring rolls. I didn’t see this at first and my first ones were not as good. The other ones were better, but I think I need more practice.

Method

  1. Do each rice paper wrapper at a time. Wet the wrapper for a few minutes in water. Once done put it on a damp cloth/tea towel.
  2. Add the ingredients to the middle of the wrapper.
  3. Now fold the wrapper to make the spring roll. Fold over the sides and then roll tightly until it is rolled tight in a roll.
  4. Do it for all the spring roll wrappers and until you finish all your ingredients.
  5. Serve with soy and chilli sauce or a mixture of sauce that you love.

Make sure to work fast as the rice paper wrapper is prone to tear and stick to things. This is why it is a good idea to have the rice paper wrapper on a damp surface like a tea towel.
Make sure to work fast as the rice paper wrapper is prone to tear and stick to things. This is why it is a good idea to have the rice paper wrapper on a damp surface like a tea towel.

Spring Rolls ready to be served! They were yummy and super easy to make.
Spring Rolls ready to be served! They were yummy and super easy to make.

Give it a go and make your very own Vietnamese Spring Rolls. I hope you enjoy them.

Put in any ingredients you like and enjoy!

 

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Family

Happy Year of the Earth Pig – Gong Xi Fa Chai

Do you celebrate Chinese New Year? We do.

This year it is the Year of the Pig. What does the Year of the Pig mean for you? If you are interested you can check out your Chinese Horoscope from Chinese Fortune Calendar

“2019 Chinese New Year is arriving on February 5, 2019. That is the 4716th Chinese year. The zodiac sign of 2019 is the Pig. According to the Chinese Horoscope calendar, 2019 is the Female Earth Pig year. Brown is connected to the earth. Therefore, 2019 is also called the year of the Brown Pig ” (Chinese Fortune Calendar)

There are many events on to celebrate and you can see a full list below:

 

 

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Roll’d

CHÚC MỪNG NĂM MỚI!  

HAPPY VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR! 

Such yummy and healthy food at Roll'd.
Such yummy and healthy food at Roll’d.

Soldiers® or more commonly known as rice paper rolls or Vietnamese rolls are a Vietnamese dish traditionally consisting of pork, prawns, fresh vegetables, mint and coriander wrapped in rice paper. But there are all sorts of other flavours like fish, beef poached in a lemongrass broth, tofu, grilled pork patties (nem nuong) sausages and other seafood such as whole baby octopus.
Soldiers® or more commonly known as rice paper rolls or Vietnamese rolls are a Vietnamese dish traditionally consisting of pork, prawns, fresh vegetables, mint and coriander wrapped in rice paper. But there are all sorts of other flavours like fish, beef poached in a lemongrass broth, tofu, grilled pork patties (nem nuong) sausages and other seafood such as whole baby octopus.

 

Roll’d is giving away celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Luck is coming your way with one of the following gifts:

  • Buy one get one free with any menu item
  • Free side with any purchase
  • Free regular drink with any purchase
  • Free 40g Mango Weis bar

Redeem at you nearest Roll’d between February 5, 2019 – February 12, 2019.

Wait – THERE’S MORE! One lucky customer will also receive free Roll’d lunch for a month! 

Find out where your nearest Roll’d Store is and plan a Lunar New Lunch today.

 

Download a FREE Year of the Pig Chinese Lantern.

 

Have fun and I hope you enjoy your Lunar New Year Celebrations.

 

Categories
Creative

Year of the Pig Chinese Lantern – FREE PRINTABLE

This year is the Year of the Earth Pig.  To celebrate I’ve created a fun Chinese Lantern decorated with pigs.

The paper lantern is an easy craft project to do with kids and will also decorate your house for the celebration of the Lunar New Year.

 

Download the Year of the Pig Chinese Lantern

 

Instructions are on the Year of the Pig Lantern PDF that you will get as soon as you fill out the form above. The download happens instantly!

Year of the Pig Chinese Lantern - Download yours today, its free!
Year of the Pig Chinese Lantern – Download yours today, its free!

I’m sure your kids will have a lot of fun making their own Chinese Lanterns.   The twins have done a few and have added them to their bedroom for decoration.

Year of the Pig Chinese Lanterns. The girls have added the lanterns to their room, don't they look fab!
Year of the Pig Chinese Lanterns. The girls have added the lanterns to their room, don’t they look fab!

Enjoy this free printable and I hope your house looks more festive with these fun Year of the Pig decorations.

 

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News

Happy Year of the Rooster

Gong Xi Fa Cai to everyone!

The YEAR OF THE ROOSTER is going to be wonderful for all! Well I hope so. Don’t you.

What do you do to celebrate Chinese New Year?  I like to celebrate with dumplings either home made or purchased. Maybe if we are lucky we go out to a lovely restaurant for some yummy Chinese food. Whatever you decide to do I hope you have a lovely celebration.

 

Gong Xi Fa Cai to you all! I hope that the year of the Rooster is good for you, it is meant to be an excellent year for me, and I'm keen to get working on some huge plans soon. Happy Chinese New Year!
Gong Xi Fa Cai to you all! I hope that the year of the Rooster is good for you, it is meant to be an excellent year for me, and I’m keen to get working on some huge plans soon. Happy Chinese New Year!

 

Our family loves to celebrate Chinese New Year. I’m an ox, hubby is a monkey, the twins are rats and little Alexander is a sheep/goat.   I’m meant to have an excellent year in the year of the rooster and I hope that this is true.

Do you like to look at the Chinese horoscopes? I do. If you are like me and want to figure out what is going to happen this year check out the links below:

Make yummy San Choy Bau and celebrate Chinese New Year!
Make yummy San Choy Bau and celebrate Chinese New Year!

If you would like kids to get involved and learn more about Chinese New Year I have some great links below: 

  • Education.com has some great free worksheets and kids can make a Year of the Rooster Mask. They also have some colouring in sheets to download
  • Crayola has colouring pages that you can print out or colour online. Colour in the rooster to celebrate the new year.
  • Activity Village in the UK has colouring pages, crafts and so much more available for kids. Download and enjoy.

Making mango custard
Making mango custard

Try your hand at making your own dumplings. I made some the other year and they were so yummy. I’m going to do some more this year with a difference and will post when complete. Check out my detailed post about what I did to create a Chinese feast to celebrate Chinese New Year. Note this is from a previous year so forget the mentions of the old signs.

My homemade colourful dumplings.
My homemade colourful dumplings.

 

Enjoy and have fun. Happy cooking if you do make some of these yummy recipes.

Happy Year of the Rooster from all of us at Mummy to Twins Plus One.

Categories
Recipes

San Choy Bau

This was to celebrate Chinese New Year but can be made at any time.

This is a fast and quick recipe to make, it is also healthy and also very yummy.

sangchoybau_web

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of chicken/pork/beef/turkey  (It does not matter what type of mince you choose it is up to you and what you like)
  • I brown onion
  • 2 Spanish onions
  • 3 large mushrooms
  • A cup full of bok choy
  • Half a cup of diced cucumber
  • 2 grated carrots
  • Soy Sauce
  • A teaspoon of garlic paste
  • A couple of squirts of lime juice

You can add what ever vegetables that you would like. Bean shoots, oyster sauce, water chestnuts, and chilli flakes.  I did not add these as I made it for the kids. I’m going to add the chilli for my meal.

Even though it was missing the other sauces and chilli, it was very tasty and moreish.

Chopped veggies ready to be cooked
Chopped veggies ready to be cooked

Method

  • Chop up all the vegetables
  • Wash the lettuce so that you can get some nice lettuce cups
  • Cook the mince and then add the vegetables to the pan.
  • Serve the mixture into a lettuce cup and eat!

 

The finished product, ready to eat! San Choy Bau.
The finished product, ready to eat! San Choy Bau.

I have not mastered getting enough lettuce bowls out of a head of lettuce. This is a skill that I need to learn. Do you know a trick to ensure you get more than 3 or 4?  Are yours a perfect size and shape. Mine looked a little straggly but tasted wonderful!