Virtual Chinese New Year Supper Club-January 2020
by Cindi Sutter, Founder & Editor Spirited Table®
Welcome to the 2020 Virtual Supper Club from Spirited Table®! Yes, I know it’s the 12th, not the 11th, but my home construction got in the way the last 6 days…so thanks for your patience.
January 25th is the date for Chinese New Year celebrations to be center stage. I’ve gone to the best sources I know, and they are our very own Tastemakers in Residence, Katie and Laura Chin. Whether you’re of Chinese descent or not, these recipes, table-top tips, wine and beer pairings and more, are sure to make your guests happy! So let us know how this Virtual Supper Club Chinese New Year celebration helps you continue to kick-off the new decade!!
Since we always believe that it’s all about the celebration table, let’s begin with Ardith Beveridge, retired Tastemaker in Residence and floral design artist extraordinaire. Here’s her recipe…
Ingredients
Spray glitter
Gold wrapped chocolate coins
Red envelopes to hold even number of coins
Dried
Tree branches
Fresh
Red flowers
Instructions
Place wet foam in a low flat container. Insert a painted/glittered tree branch in the center.
Cover the foam with gold covered chocolate money, glue some to the trees.
Red flowers are always good for the celebration. (The year of the monkey also supports blue and white)
Optional: Find some fun monkeys to hang on the branches.
I’m not sure how to break it to you, but the Chinese Horoscope 2020 = Year of the Metal Rat. The Rat is the first sign from the 12 animals cycle of the Chinese Astrology, and for this reason, 2020 is considered a year of new beginnings and renewals. The Metal Rat Year is going to be a strong, prosperous, and lucky year for almost all Chinese zodiac signs. Everyone will show determination regarding their goals, aspirations, and even their hobbies. This is a great year for founding and evolving. The Chinese New Year is celebrated every year through sumptuous and colorful festivities. It is the most important celebration, an occasion for a familiar reunion, party and two weeks’ long winter holiday.
Katie and Laura Chin are the daughters of Leeann Chin. For those of you who haven’t heard their Mom’s story; she was not only an amazing chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur but a Minnesota legend. These two ladies know more about Chinese New Year and food than anyone I can think of, so THANKS! Click for more on Leeann and her MN impact-Public Radio International with Katie Chin.
First up = Chinese New Year Celebration Tips from Katie! You can always find more great tips and fabulous recipes at Chef Katie Chin.
Laura’s tips & traditions for the Chinese New Year:
Spring Rolls resemble gold bars and symbolize prosperity. They are also a sign of the coming of spring. Tangerines and oranges are commonly served during new years because their rounded shape symbolized family unity and their gold color symbolize abundant wealth and fullness. Eggs are served because their gold and silver colors symbolize wealth and are simple gifts for your friends. New Years’ beverages include white wine served during dinner and until midnight in anticipation of the new year. Beer, such as Tsing Tao, is also served.
Our Spirited Table® Wine and Beer Tastemaker, Allisun Groat, offers you these tips for serving wine…German and Alsatian wines - Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Gruner Veltliner from Austria. Anything with a tad of residual sugar. Beer is always good too!
First course is Katie’s recipe for Miso Deviled Eggs. “This Miso Deviled Eggs recipe will be featured in my new Global Family Cookbook coming in fall 2020 and giving you a sneak peek now. If your lactose intolerant, you may swap out regular mayo with vegenaise.” Katie Chin
Second Courses - I’m serving up several choices!
Katie’s Chinese New Year Pan-Fried Potstickers + Firecracker Shrimp from the Sundance Film Festival + Leeann Chin's Spring Rolls (from the archives of Laura Chin.)
Third Courses = Lots of memories, love and sharing…
Usually, the past provides wisdom for the future, so here is Katie’s recipe for Long-life Noodles plus some Chinese New year customs to ponder. Katie shares her Mom’s recipe for Whole Steamed Fish with Black Bean Sauce plus the traditions behind the Chinese New Year’s past and present.
Fourth Course - Now, what’s usually my favorite part of any meal…Dessert!
Raspberry Nutella Wontons + Banana Walnut Wontons + Fortune Cookie Day Recipe
Here’s a very special thank-you to Laura and Katie Chin for sharing recipes from the past and present; personally I can’t wait for Katie’s Global Family Cookbook to launch in the fall of 2020. Stay tuned…