CHINESE FOOD

INGREDIENTS

1 small section of fresh Chinese yam (about 2/3 lb.), 2 chicken legs. 1 carrot, 6 dried shiitake mushrooms

SEASONINGS

1T cooking wine, 2T soy sauce, 1/2t salt, 1T sugar

METHODS

1. Rinse yam thoroughly, peel off skin. cut in thick slices; peel carrot, cut into thick slices; soak mushroom until soft and remove stems.

2. Rinse chicken. chop into small pieces, blanch in boiling water to remove blood, remove and rinse well.

3. Put chicken in pan along with all seasonings,2C water and mushrooms, bring to boil. then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. then add carrots.

4. Add yam and cook for 10 minutes until done, continue to cook until liquid is almost absorbed, remove to serving plate. Serve.

Remarks

• Fresh yam is soft. Yam falls apart easily after long cooking, so do not add them too soon, Instead, wait until the other ingredients are cooked and soft. then add yam.

• Stir constantly while cooking to heat ingredients evenly, stir carefully after yam is added to prevent it from falling apart.

• 1C (cup)=150ml; 1T (Table Spoon)=15ml; 1t(tea spoon)=5ml, 1/2t(tea spoon)=2.5ml, 1/4t(tea spoon)=1.2ml

Chinese New Year Custom: Legend of the New Year

Ancient Chinese believe that the Year Beast (called nian) will go out and eat people on the New Year’s Eve. It is said that the Year Beast is afraid of red color, firelight, and noisy sound. So people paste red paper on the gates, light torches, and fire firecrackers to drive off the Year Beast. On the next morning, people exchange greetings for the big victory.

Dish of Family Banquet carrot, Chicken, Chinese New Year, Chinese Yam, Mushroom