1/30/2012

Chinese New Year Eve's family dinner 團年飯

Finally, I had a moment to turn on my PC.  The past few weeks totally drained out my energy and I could hardly function as normal.  Now, I feel my stamina is gradually coming back and hopefully I can spare more time on my forever "continuous" self studies and to read a few more books at night.

I can't believe it is already the 7th day of the Lunar Chinese New Year which we call it "人日" in Chinese.  There is another meaning on this day, "人日" means birthday to all people, so I wish everyone "happy birthday".

Back tracking 8 days ago, on Chinese New Year (CNY) Eve, I was rather sick.  No energy to do anything but still wanting to give the kids a taste of CNY, I took a nap, woke up at 3 p.m., rushed out to shop for some grocery, then spent 2 hours to come up with this simple CNY Eve dinner.

If I have had better health, I could have made more "proper" CNY dishes and had a small celebration with my friends.  However, this was the BEST that I could manage this year.  Hopefully, next year I can go back to my normal routine where I usually have "發財蠔豉", "海參", "蒸雞", etc.....


I carried these bone china set all the way from China to HK, then from HK to Tokyo...... The price was sooooooooooooo good.  40 pieces for HKD700.

My friend made 8 of these wonderful knots for me.  Aren't they lovely?


撈起,撈起.  (Tuna and Salmon marinated in soya, wasabi and sesame oil salad).  The first dish was 撈起,撈起!  Meaning prosperity and good luck in job.  仕事運アップかな?(和訳)

Of course I asked Mr. Yim to "FLUFF IT UP" 撈起佢 PLEASE......  Please be successful in your job and spare me some of your BONUS!!!  If any..... ha ha ha.
大鴻展翅 (茶香翼 Smoked soya sauce chicken wings).  Spread your wings and fly high... keep your hopes up and never give up!  (I am talking to MYSELF!)

過年齋 (Vegetarian clay pot in fermented bean curd sauce).  A must for CNY in my family.

行運一條龍 (Steam fish).   Does it look like a dragon?

哈哈大笑 (蒜香蝦, garlic crispy prawns).  I seriously need more LAUGH!!!!!  Otherwise, how can I balance myself from all this crazy everyday!??? 

團年飯


大吉大利


團團圓圓,和睦幸福
十全十美

花開富貴
 
年貴糕 (桂花蓮藕糕).  At first I wanted to make 桂花馬蹄糕 but there is no fresh water chestnut in Japan, so I used lotus root instead.

年貴糕 (桂花蓮藕糕).  No kidding, this tasted just like 馬蹄糕.

蘿蔔糕.  Mr. Yim asked me to make some more and sell them at our nearby super market...............  meaning please find yourself a part-time job to bring income home!  Rolling my eyes back.



1/18/2012

New Year Banquet

Our regular home party was supposed to be held in November but got canceled because C had fever.  Then in December, I did 香港自由行 for an entire month, in the end, our regular home party got extended to until today.  I can't believe it is already 2 months since our last gathering!!!

I planned this winter menu in Nov but changed a little as Chinese New Year is fast approaching, added some CNY dishes to create a more festive atmosphere.  One year was so quick! I remembered the last CNY lunch that I prepared and so quick the year of DRAGON is here.

Wishing everyone a prosperous CNY and may this Dragon bring you peace and happiness.

Chinese New Year table setting.
I got this tassel at Jiyugaoka at a very reasonable price!  ha ha....

My Nyona China ware, an addition to my collection purchased at our family trip to Penang. 

Theme - Winter - Stay Warm!  It is freezing in Japan now!
Entree. 
韓意杯杯蠔 and
臘味蘿蔔糕 
  
蟲草紅景天烏鶏燉花膠
Black chicken soup
 
禿黃油豆漿擔擔麵 
Soya Milk Sichuan style noodles.
Condiments to go with the noodles.


金銀蛋浸貢菜


葱爆羊肉

生炒糯米飯

酒釀桂花丸子
A gift from my friend.

Yum Yum!!!  Now, I can't eat any other roll cakes!!!


Hand made chocolate from my friend!  So yummy.............!!!