Chinese New Year: Welcoming the Year of the Dog

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, occurs between the 21st of January and the 20th of February. This year Chinese New Year falls on February 16th, and we will be welcoming in the year of the dog. Prior to this day it is tradition to meticulously clean your home in order to sweep away all the misfortune, and to make room for incoming good luck. It is also tradition to have an annual family reunion, which is where you can taste a variety of appetising main dishes and scrumptious desserts.

Here are some traditional Chinese New Year desserts:

Almond Cookies by Bread et Butter

Almond cookies symbolize good fortune in the Chinese culture.

Ingredients:

Ground almonds- 100g

Plain flour- 150g

Caster sugar- 100g

Baking powder- 3/4 tsp

Baking soda- 3/4 tsp

Pinch of salt

Corn oil- 100ml

Egg yolk, beaten

You can find the recipe at Bread et Butter

Sticky Rice Cake by The Woks of Life

Also known as Nian Gao, sticky rice cakes symbolize advancement, progress and growth.

Ingredients:

Vegetable oil- 2 tsp

Water- 4 cups

Ginger- 4 slices

Dark brown sugar- 2 cups

All spice powder- 1/2 tsp

Glutinous rice flour- 1 1/2 pounds

Rice flour- 1/2 pound

Vanilla extract- 1 Tbsp

Zest of a large orange

Dried dates- 6, for decoration

You can find the recipe at The Woks of Life

Egg Tarts by Playing with Flour

The flaky pastry in egg tarts symbolizes rising abundance and the round shape of symbolizes family reunion.

Pastry Ingredients:

Cake flour- 115g

Butter- 70g

Powdered sugar- 20g

Evaporated milk- 10g

Half an egg

Egg Custard Ingredients:

Water-145ml

Granulated sugar- 45g

Eggs- 2

Evaporated milk- 40g

Vanilla extract- 1/2 tsp

You can find the recipe at Playing with Flour

Looking to try some Chinese New Year treats? Fill out a bespoke request at www.mybaker.co today!