Every year, millions of people congregate with loved ones and family members for CNY reunion dinners.
Dozens of delectable dishes are enjoyed from steamed fish and fried pork belly to sweet cakes and rice balls. But it can get a little bit repetitive for a lot of people. But fret not, we are here to help!
In the spirit of welcoming the Year of the Rabbit, why not make it a bit more fun and interesting by making everything rabbit themed? There are many ways to incorporate rabbits as decorations for your reunion meals or even as the main dish itself.
Here are some rabbit-themed dishes and delicacies you can make for Chinese New Year in honour of the Year of the Water Rabbit.
Rabbit Yee Sang
Yee Sang is just one of those quintessential Chinese New Year dishes that every family always has on the reunion dinner table.
Traditionally made with turnips, carrots, lettuce and of course, salmon (which symbolises good fortune), Yee Sang or Prosperity Toss is a sort of appetiser salad eaten before the main course.
In this recipe, the creator uses thinly sliced strips of bangkuang (turnip or white radish) to make the shape of a rabbit head. A strip of seaweed or nori is used to cut out shapes for the eyes, nose and mouth.
Rabbit Dumplings
Dumplings are so versatile because you can use virtually use any filling you want.
Dumplings are normally boiled or fried, but steaming ensures they keep their shape through the entire cooking process.
In this recipe, the dumpling filling is shrimp; shrimps symbolise longevity and renewal. If you’re not a shrimp-person, or have dietary restrictions, you can opt for any other filling of your choice. Just be sure to use the right proportions so the filling doesn’t spill out.
You can enjoy it with soy sauce or eaten on its own.
Rabbit Eggs
While families aren’t serving just hard-boiled eggs to their relatives at Chinese New Year reunion dinners, these Rabbit Eggs can serve as centre pieces or decorations for main dishes. They are full of protein and will surely be a favourite of children.
There are many methods for making animal-shaped eggs. This rabbit designs involves slicing off the base of the egg and making two ears out of the cuttings and stuffing them into a small slit made crosswise across the top part.
A less visceral technique would simply be to use a pair of scissors and snip two ears at the top.
Rabbit Pineapple Tarts
Pineapples are a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. Often given as gifts during Chinese New Year, they are a great addition to have on the dessert or snack menu.
This pineapple tart is in the shape of a bunny. So, you know you’ll get extra ‘Ong‘ with every bite!
In this recipe, the creator shapes the dough in the shape of a rabbit. If you want the recipe for pineapple tart filling, here’s a great source.
Rabbit German Cookies
On the list of sweet snacks that are perfect for Chinese New Year are also these adorable German cookies that are shaped like bunnies!
In this recipe, the creator dyes several small batches of the dough in pink and black to make the eyes, ears, mouth, nose and cheeks.
There are no fillings but the recipe does call for milk powder and icing sugar. Which means it will have rich, sweet flavour that kids will surely love.
The dough is relatively simple to make but you may need to do exercise some creativity with the design.
Rabbit Jellies
Jellies are a versatile menu item when you want your dish to look a certain shape. While they are often only tasty as sweet treats, the number of variations you can make are virtually limitless.
This recipe makes use of plastic moulds to give you a perfect bunny shape for all your jellies.
The filling is coconut milk and mung bean paste with agar-agar powder as the jelly base. But don’t let this stop you from experimenting with different flavours.
Switch out the mung bean for peanuts, red bean or even orange for extra good fortune feel this CNY!
Rabbit Panna Cotta
While in the same family as jellies, Panna Cotta is traditionally eaten with a sauce and have a much richer and delicate texture.
This recipe uses the same kind of rabbit mold as the previous one. Instead of agar powder, the creator uses gelatine. And instead of coconut milk, whipping cream.
No filling is required for this recipe. The rabbit panna cotta is served with a sweet strawberry sauce.
As part of the Chinese New Year tradition of ending the meal with something sweet, this decadent dessert definitely fulfils that requirement!
Rabbit Bread
Nothing beats good old bread when it comes to making anything animal-shaped. Not only is dough pliable, you also don’t need any moulds. Just a little bit of imagination and creativity will suffice.
This recipe makes use of classic bread dough to make rabbit heads. But this isn’t the only way you can design rabbit-themed baked goods.
You can also flavour the dough any way you want that can fit with traditional Chinese New Year flavours!
Bunny-fy your Reunion Dinner
The Year of the Rabbit brings many opportunities to show off one’s cooking and baking skills. Besides, all these rabbit designs are just way too adorable to be hopped over!
For those recipes where you can involve children, it will also be a good bonding time for you and your kids. They will be able to have fun while learning important kitchen lessons that they may need in the future.
After that, you can wow your guests with your rabbit themed dishes and desserts. They’ll surely be jumping on their toes for a bite!
Motherhood wishes you and your family a happy Chinese New Year with love, Gong Xi Fa Cai!
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!