I am barely catching my breath after Christmas and now Chinese New Year is around the corner! Did anyone else notice how Chinese New Year songs and snacks started filling supermarket aisles the day after Christmas?!? I wanted to scream ‘At least let me have 12 days of Christmas!’ But no, there is absolutely no time to waste getting CNY goodies up on shelves and into the homes of Chinese families. So similarly, I shall get straight to the point so you can start making my top 5 favourite CNY recipes. From traditional treats to fusion twists, there’s something here for everyone. Enjoy!
5. Dried Shrimp Cornflake Cookies
Dried shrimps (Hae Bi) are commonly used in cooking savoury stir-frys. But throw them into cookies, add some cornflakes for crunch and you get the most addictive savoury cookies ever. If you OD on them like I tend to do though, you might want to pop a breath-mint or two before you wish the next person ‘gong xi fa cai‘.
4. Hummingbird Cupcakes with Pineapple Flower
Take the ubiquitous pineapple tart, turn it into a cupcake adorned with the prettiest dehydrated pineapple “flowers” and you have a show-stopping CNY treat that will wow even the pickiest visitors.
What’s not to love about buttery melt-in-your-mouth cookies laden with bits of bak kwa? Plus, they are so easy to make. Resistance is futile, my friend.
2. Lychee Panna Cotta with Pomegranate Jelly
A dessert close to my heart because it was inspired by my late grandfather. Light and refreshing, it’s the perfect end to any CNY reunion feast. A lot of readers have been successful with this and loved it. Check out the comments section for tips on how to substitute sheet gelatin with powdered gelatin or agar agar.
1. Bak Kwa （肉干）
Finally, the number 1 recipe that we make every CNY cos it’s the one thing our friends and families consistently request for when they come over to visit… homemade bak kwa. Ever since we learnt how to make it, we never bought bak kwa again. You’re welcome, I just saved you hours from standing in line at a bak kwa stall.
I hope these top 5 favourite CNY recipes of mine make their way into your kitchens and homes this Lunar New Year. Leave me a comment below and let me know if you have any comments or questions! Have a blessed Chinese New Year!
