Yesterday I talked about Chinese New Year and how my family loves to celebrate Chinese New Year and learn about the new year and the animal of that year. I told you that I am pretty sure one of the reason my family likes it is because they like the food we eat when we celebrate Chinese New Year. Tomorrow, Thursday, February 19^th is the first day of the Chinese New Year. Do you have plans to celebrate? How about cooking some of that great food? Here are two of the easier Chinese New Year recipes I have that will let you make some yummy food to celebrate Chinese New Year with your family. One has a couple of uncommon ingredients and the other has things many people already have in their kitchens. Let us know if you try these recipes. We love to hear from you!

Chinese New Year Recipes – Beef and Broccoli

Makes 4 servings

1/3 cup oyster sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/3 cup apple cider
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3/4 pound beef round steak, cut into 1/8-inch thick strips
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more if needed
1 thin slice of fresh ginger root
1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
1 pound broccoli, cut into florets

Directions:
1. Whisk together the oyster sauce, sesame oil, apple cider, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl, and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Place the steak pieces into a shallow bowl, pour the oyster sauce mixture over the meat, stir to coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes in refrigerator.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and stir in the ginger and garlic. Let them sizzle in the hot oil for about 1 minute to flavor the oil, then remove and discard. Stir in the broccoli, and toss and stir in the hot oil until bright green and almost tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the broccoli from the skillet, and set aside.
3. Pour a little more oil into the skillet, if needed, and stir and toss the beef with the marinade until the sauce forms a glaze on the beef, and the meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet, and stir until the meat and broccoli are heated through, about 3 minutes.

Chinese New Year Recipes – Sweet and Sour Chicken 

Makes 8 servings

1 8 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained – save the juice
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 3/4 cups water, divided
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
2 drops orange food coloring
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 1 inch cubes
2 1/4 cups self-rising flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 egg
1 1/2 cups water
1 quart vegetable oil to use for frying
2 green bell peppers, cut into 1 inch pieces

Directions:
1. In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups water, sugar, vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, and orange food coloring. Bring to a boil. Turn off heat. Combine 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup water; slowly stir into saucepan. Continue stirring until mixture thickens.
2. Combine flour, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, white pepper, and egg. Add 1 1/2 cups water gradually to make a thick batter. Stir to blend thoroughly. Add chicken pieces, and stir until chicken is well coated.
3. Heat oil in skillet to 360 degrees F. Fry chicken pieces in hot oil 10 minutes, or until golden. Remove chicken, and drain on paper towels.
4. When ready to serve, layer green peppers, pineapple chunks, and cooked chicken pieces on a platter. Pour hot sweet and sour sauce over top.