A Chinese Theme Dinner

A Chinese Theme Dinner

By Brenda Hyde
Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated with fireworks, music and dancing dragons made out of paper mache and other materials. It's a time for celebrations and for family in Chinese households. We may not understand all the Chinese traditions and the rich history but we can make an attempt to learn more about this culture by having a theme night! Assign each person in the family an area of Chinese culture to learn about and research at the library. Before dinner exchange what everyone learned. The following recipes are very easy and can be served with purchased egg rolls.

Chinese Hot and Sour Soup

Ingredients:

3/4 pound boneless pork, cut into 1/2 inch strips

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cornstarch

2 tablespoons oil

6 cups chicken stock

1/2 pound fresh mushrooms

1 can bamboo shoots (8 ounces)

2 tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 tsp. white pepper, or to taste

3 tablespoon vinegar

16 ounces tofu

2 eggs beaten

1 tsp. sesame oil

4 green onions, sliced

Mix pork with salt and cornstarch. Heat oil in wok to 375 degrees and stir fry pork until color changes. Bring stock to a boil in a stockpot. Add mushrooms, pork and bamboo shoots.Stir constantly.Add soy sauce, pepper, vinegar and tofu. Return to a boil. Turn off heat and add beaten eggs. Stir quickly for 30 seconds. Add sesame oil. Remove and garnish with green onions. Serves 6.

Sweet and Sour Shrimp

Ingredients:

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 20 ounce can chunk pineapple, drained, reserve juice

3/4 cup cold water

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1/8 tsp. ground ginger

8 ounce can water chestnuts, drained

1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

In a large skillet or wok, combine reserved pineapple juice, water, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce and ginger. Over medium heat, cook and stir until thick and clear. Add shrimp and cook 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; heat through. Serve with cooked rice or chinese noodles. 4 servings.

For Chinese New Year Tibits Click Here!

 

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About The Author

Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer living on ten acres in rural Michigan with her
husband and three kids.  She is also editor of StandBesideHer.com and has a family friendly blog, On the Front Porch.
 
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