Happy Chinese New Year of The Dog...

Happy New Year to my friends, family and followers! 

May love, happiness and success follow you throughout the year of the Dog!

Resharing from my brother Marten Go over on his site Preserved Dragons:

So what does the year of the dog have in store for us?

2018 will be a year of blossoming, to achieve things, and to thrive-- PD. Furthermore, from what I've read: "Dog is a true companion, associated with loyalty, honesty, intelligence, and a strong sense of right and wrong. In other words, this year of the Dog may see people fighting for the causes they believe in. This influence could manifest itself as large-scale political movements or something as simple as local community work and small acts of kindness." With how things are going around the world, it certainly is shaping up that way.

Note: Those born in the Year of the Rabbit, will have the best year, followed by those born in the Year of the Tiger and Year of the Horse. People born in the years of the dragon, sheep and rooster are expected to have a difficult time. And those born in the Year of the Dog, should pay attention to your health due to the risk of burnout.-- PD

Photo Credit: Preserved Dragons

Preparing for a BeAsT of A FeASt to entertain with the big family over at my parents!

My kids getting crackin' for Chinese Marbled Tea Eggs
and my prep for beancurd salad, beancurd stuffed rolls and egg rolls.

Wrapping my dim sum fave Pan-Fried Stuffed Beancurd Veggie Rolls.

Upon arrival to my parents house, a family joint prayer by burning incense. Incense sticks are lit up, held between clasped hands, wishes and prayers are silently chanted while performing a sequence of three standing bows. Then the sticks are placed into the rice bowl and left to burn until finished. We do this first looking to the sky facing the window for overall blessings and then again in front of a mini altar dedicated to our ancestors, or a food offering display. This is to pay respect to the loved ones who've passed on as well as asking for protection and good luck for the gods above.

"Bi Sun"-- prayer to the heavenly Gods and our ancestors. 

The kids and their cousins make their wishes and "bi sun"!

Pan-Fried Stuffed Beancurd Veggie Rolls

My dad was the captain chef doling out the cooked and stir-fried dishes.

Spicy Beancurd Veggie Salad

Chinese Marbled Tea Eggs

Yes, I made Egg Rolls too, and added chicken!

Lots of store-bought "jam lieu"- Chinese deli- roasted pork, roasted duck and steamed chicken.
No making from scratch this year, but do see the elaborate preparations in the previous years
in my DIY posts for Roasted Pork (siu yok) and Roasted Duck (siu ap).

Talk about a BeAsT of A FeASt!! :D

We've got dumplings, tofu salad, Chinese greens and shrimps too!

Hope you all had a fantastic celebration with your family and loved ones!