Gung Hei Fat Choy!

Today is the 2011 Chinese New Year! 

...and also the Year of the Rabbit :)

According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves.  It is a time for negotiation.  Don't force issues, because if you do you will likely fail.  To gain the greatest benefits, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children.  Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you'll be able to calmly deal with problems that arise.

So why not celebrate the Chinese New Year with an Asian Stir-fry!

Chinese Chicken and Rice Stir-fry 

created by Snacking Squirrel

3 oz chicken breast or tofu

1/2 cup cooked brown rice

1 cup chopped broccoli

1/2 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup sliced carrot

1/2 cup chopped mushrooms

1/2 cup baby bok choy

5-6 slices cooked lotus root

1/4 cup frozen green peas

Directions:

1. Cube and cook your chicken or tofu in a wok with a little oil or water

2. Add in the peas, celery, carrots, and sauce (recipe below)

3. Cook over medium-high heat, with or without a cover

3. Next add in the rest of the veggies, along with the cooked lotus root

4. Lastly, mix in the cooked brown rice and eat!

Black Soybean Sauce

created by Snacking Squirrel

1/8 cup lemon juice

1/8 cup black soybeans

1 Tbsp soy sauce 

or Braggs Liquid Aminos

1 Tbsp cream cheese

2 tsp rice vinegar

Dash stevia or sweetener

Dash crushed red pepper flakes

Dash ground ginger powder

Simply blend everything together in a food processor

Makes one large serving or two smaller ones

If you've never seen a lotus root, this is what it looks like. 

Such a beautiful root vegetable. The taste/texture reminds

 me of a cross between a potato and water chestnuts!

 You should be able to find it at any Asian Specialty Store