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:
This savory little treat is overdue, but tasty nevertheless... and since it's an ideal choice for New Year's Eve appetizers, I think now's the right time to unveil it.
Behold! Snazzy grilled cheese as done by Anne Saxelby, charming monger of the Essex Street Market.
This video was captured at this year's NYC International Pickle Festival, back when short sleeved shirts and light summer dresses were appropriate attire. (Oh, how I pine for the sun!)
Saxelby's Snazzy Grilled Cheese Good sliced bread Olive oil for drizzling Puréed pickled peppers (Anne uses Rick's Picks Peppi Pep Peps) Thin slices of feta cheese
1. Lay out two slices of bread and drizzle olive oil on one side of one of the slices. 2. Spread about a tablespoon of pureed pickled peppers on that same slice of bread. 3. Stack two thin slices of feta cheese atop the pickled pepper puree. 4. Top the stack with the other slice of bread and toast the sandwich in a hot panini grill for 2 to 3 minutes. 5. Slice into quarters and serve immediately.
You may ask yourself, why would this sandwich make a good New Year's Eve treat? Good question!
Salty, rich foods often go well with drier bubbly sips, so when you crack open the Champagne (or maybe try a Spanish Cava this year... it's just as festive and waaay cheaper), I'd urge you to consider serving up a few wedges of Anne's Grilled Cheese as a cheesy, cheery pairing partner. Delight ensured.
May the new year be healthy, happy and even more delicious than the last.
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