This week marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Dragon. Many of the food selections utilized during the New Year holiday represent our comforts in life such as prosperity, longevity and good luck. Fish, generally, represent abundance and prosperity. A Mediterranean Scorpion fish is gourmet fish selection which has a head that looks similar to a dragon. Many families will enjoy a whole fish presentation for their holiday dining. Though the Scorpion fish has many bones, it can be cooked well in a soup or the meat of the fish can be mixed with Chinese noodles. A lettuce wrap that includes the fruit of oranges, the fruit of tangerines and peanuts can represent wealth, good luck and long-life. A dish of Asian orange chicken can add to the culinary excitement. For dessert try rice cakes with coconut.

With a colorful holiday like this, each plate presentation becomes an artist’s palette. A “dragon” for each plate can be built by using a yellow squash for the head and body. Slice off the bigger end of the squash for the “dragon” to sit up right. Use a small red pepper for his tongue. Use sliced olives for his eyes. Use two almond slivers for his horns. Use oriental kale for layers of multiple collars. For a longer body use half of an Italian zucchini and extend his kale collar to the edge of the two squash. Attach all of the above with cream cheese. The rule is, “if it goes on a person’s plate, all things must be edible.” A dragon’s roar of delight will be heard from your guests as they enjoy the plated creatures.

Don’t forget to decorate with red. Red envelopes containing money are a traditional gift from the parents to the children. Chinese red lanterns can decorate the table area. Some of the most spectacular theme floral displays combined with great dragons can be found in the major hotels in Las Vegas. It is a fun-filled holiday. Enjoy this world-class celebration and create your our prosperity, longevity and good luck.