Spring rolls are always a big hit at parties, but they are usually deep-fried and high in fat. Baking spring rolls after brushing them with a touch of oil eliminates the need to deep-fry them, without sacrificing that lovely crispy exterior. You can find the wrappers in the freezer section of many grocery stores. Thaw according to package directions before using. Sambal oelek is widely available, but any hot pepper sauce will do.
These aren't your nonna's meatballs, but they're just as juicy, tender and flavourful. We take this version up a notch with a sweet and savoury glaze that's great in a noodle salad, on personal naan pizzas and bathed in a lemony broth with orzo and zucchini.
Choose similar-size radishes so they cook evenly. Grilling subdues their sharp flavour and gives them a nice tender-crisp texture. Brushing the sweet, sticky glaze onto the skewers before the last minute of cooking keeps it from burning on the barbecue and preserves the sesame flavour.
Few Chinese banquets are without a fancy preparation of a whole chicken or duck. The rich chestnuts and shiitake mushrooms suit the New Year's table and represent fall and winter respectively. The carrot slices stand for gold coins that welcome the coming spring with riches, and the green bok choy reminds us of summer. Don't think of this dish as only for Chinese New Year; it makes a wonderful main course at any table.
My dad is the family's official butcher and meat carver, expertly chopping barbecued duck and pork into bite-size pieces on his makeshift butcher block. When carving turkey, Dad (who loves his gadgets) always trusts his electric carving knife for what he insists is “even” slicing. That carving knife has been the butt of many jokes over the years, but using it has turned into tradition, and our turkey dinners would not be the same without it.
My mom would make Dad's favourite dumplings – called gao ji – to serve alongside a steaming bowl of congee or fried noodles. Traditionally these dumplings are pleated on one side, but we have eliminated this step to simplify the recipe. Enjoy them as is, or with a little soy sauce or Chinese red or black vinegar for dipping. You'll need at least 45 wrappers, and you can freeze any leftovers. – Irene Fong
