Monday 8th February marks another Chinese New Year and this time it’s the year of the Monkey. We are most excited about The Monkey leading this years festivities as we have took note of two important lucky signs; lucky colour for the monkey – blue, lucky direction for the monkey – North West. Therefore, with Essential Cuisine’s branding being blue and our offices based in Cheshire within the North West, it seems only logical that we fully embrace this year’s vibrant Asian celebration.
This traditional festival will run from today until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month. Celebrations include; Lion and dragon dances, fireworks, family gatherings, visiting friends and most importantly… feasting! Each food item consumed over the celebration has meaning and is symbolic for a healthy/happy future. For example, Jiaozi (dumplings); the dumpling resembles a silver ingot or money and also represents packaging luck inside the dumpling – the symbolism is prosperity. Another example is shown through noodles as families serve uncut noodles (so there as long as they can be) which represent longevity and long life. Us Stock People think these versatile dishes sound delicious and adding an authentic stock could be quite the added touch…
Where ever you are around the world today, here at Essential Cuisine we would like to wish all those celebrating a very Happy Chinese New Year 2016! Have a good one all you cheeky monkeys…
