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Lucky Foods to Celebrate Chinese New Year

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Gourmandize
Glutinous Rice Cakes 7/7

© Getty Images / p_saranya

Glutinous Rice Cakes

Glutinous rice cakes are traditionally eaten on Chinese New Year's Eve, as their name niangao sounds like "higher year" when pronounced. Overall, they symbolize higher success, which can relate to physical height (for children), more success in business, a work promotion, better grades, improved health, more happiness, etc. Usually they are made with glutinous rice flour, sugar, Chinese dates, chestnuts and lotus leaves, but they may also come in savory versions, too.


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Chef Tips and Tricks

VIDEO: Tasty Beef Tomato Pockets

Looking for an easy snack or party appetizer? These little beef pockets are a pinch!

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Water

 Filling:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

 Method

  1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, milk, and water in a pan, and mix until you form a dough.
  2. In a saucepan, heat a splash of olive oil and add the onion. Cook on medium-high until onion has softened.  
  3. Add the ground beef, and add the salt, water, and tomato sauce. When the meat has browned, remove from heat. 
  4. Dust a flat surface with flour, and roll out the dough into a flat sheet. 
  5. Use a ramekin or cup to cut out circles. 
  6. Add a dollop of beef-tomato mixture to the center of each circle. 
  7. Pinch the dough into a little pocket.
  8. Bake in the oven at 350° F for 15 minutes.
  9. Enjoy!