The Year of the Ox

Happy New Year! As of yesterday, we've embarked on the year of the ox according to the Chinese lunar calendar, and the Chinatowns here in NYC (and across the globe) will be awash in red and gold for the next three weeks.

The ox (or water buffalo... take your pick) is supposed to represent prosperity through fortitude, hard work, self-sacrifice and thrift. An appropriate set of values for the coming year, don't you think?



If you're looking to make some festive food, you'll be in good company. Billions of people celebrate the lunar new year, and there's a whole range of traditional foods with deep symbolism.

Lettuce sang choi represents prosperity. Dumplings jiaozi symbolize wealth. Long chinese noodles indicate longevity (so don't cut them), and whole-cooked fish yue demonstrates abundance.

So in honor of the holiday and the steadfast ox, I've selected a few choice links from the vault:



A Field Guide to Lions & Dragons

Thrifty Vegetable Fried Rice

Long, lucky Peanut Soba Noodles (or Slaw)

Delicious Burdock Root Salad

Gung hei fat choi!