2 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse With Citrus + Lychee

February 14, 2018March 21, 2018Leave a comment

Lychee is one of my favorite southeast Asian fruits, second only to mangosteen. Its pink-white flesh is glossy, delicate and aromatic…the vibrant taste is absolutely unique. Think of a grape, but juicier, with smooth floral, rosy notes and pear undertones. Even comparing it to a grape is slightly insulting, because its freshness and flavor is on an entirely different level.

Clearly, lychee is my valentine this year. Lychee is also considered a lucky fruit in Chinese culture, symbolizing family abundance and harmony, so this dessert would be a fun fusion dish for Lunar New Year gatherings this weekend. Red and golden hues make a lucky color palette. Continue reading →

Lemon Lavender Candied Ginger for Chinese New Year (Mứt Gừng)

January 22, 2017March 21, 201813 Comments

Like any new year celebration, Chinese New Year is about new beginnings. Sweet treats are popular cross-culturally, as they symbolize a sweet, joyful start to the upcoming year. I think we can all agree that we definitely need more joy this year. This year, I was honored to be invited by the lovely Christine (Vermilion Roots) to participate in a Chinese New Year sweets party with several other Asian bloggers. It’s kind of like a virtual potluck—I urge you to check out the participating blogs below, to get a taste of the lunar new year from various parts of Asia! Continue reading →

Lunar New Year | Sweet Celebration Bowl

February 19, 2015March 21, 20181 Comment

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!
Happy Lunar New Year!

For today’s post, I considered making something savory, but we’ve been having some mildly warm afternoons here in Texas, so instead, I will share a refreshing fruity recipe. This recipe showcases lucky fruits with meanings for Tết (Lunar New Year): soursop (custard apple), coconut, papaya, and mango.

In Vietnamese, the names of these fruits create a pun, “Cầu Dừa Đủ Xoài (Cầu Vừa Đủ Xài).” This phrase means “[Let’s] pray for just enough [resources/money/food, etc.] to use”–a wise wish for the new year.

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Tết + Healing Ginger Shiitake Mushroom Soup

January 31, 2014March 21, 20183 Comments

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!
Happy Lunar New Year!

I’ve been feeling under the weather, so last night, I made a super spicy ginger soup!

My mom came to visit me and has brought plenty of traditional Vietnamese Tết food, which I will be sharing on Instagram throughout the weekend. ^.^

I wish you all a wonderful new year and hope it’s filled with blessings, positivity and happiness.
Chúc bạn sức khỏe dồi dào–I wish you a wealth of health! If you’ve been feeling sniffly like me, the following soup will do wonders for you.

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Vegan Lunar New Year Traditions

February 11, 2013February 1, 20143 Comments

Yesterday marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year, the year of the snake. This holiday is celebrated by the Aulacese (Vietnamese), Korean and Chinese.

My family celebrated with essential dishes such as longevity noodles and a lucky fruit platter.

Our fruit platter had dried coconut pieces, papaya, and mangoes. All that was missing was custard apples (mãng cầu). In Aulacese, the names of these fruits create a pun, “Cầu Dừa Đủ Xoài (Cầu Vừa Đủ Xài).” This phrase means “[Let’s] pray for just enough [resources/money/food, etc.] to use”–a wise wish for the new year. Continue reading →