It’s time for the favorite food discussion. You know the one. If I had to eat only one thing for the rest of my life, it would be…
That one. My answer varies occasionally based on mood or time of day or the prevailing climatic conditions. But there are regulars that show up time and again. They are those foods of which I can say, “I really wouldn’t mind eating that and only that for the rest of my life.” There are maybe only two or three dishes I can think of in the world that might qualify. And one, only one, that really fits the bill.
And that food is hot pot. Huo guo. Shabu shabu. It’s known by many names, but here are the essentials: Vegetables, meat, seafood and noodles submerged in a pot of boiling hot liquid, and family and friends gathered around it, fondue-style. It’s a fend-for-yourself, don’t-be-squeamish, germ-sharing, and as my friend Alan observed, “democratic” way of eating.
It’s not my favorite because it is gourmet or particularly graceful. It may never get a Food & Wine cover. It’s my favorite because when I eat it, it reminds me of the way food should be eaten, and that is with great joy and with the people we love.
I have a Chinese mother and an American father. Sometimes this can be weird and treacherous and uncomfortable. Navigating a safe course between the two cultures has been one of the great efforts of my life. But in my experience, if anything can bring a family together around the table, it is this meal.
Let me be clear. Hot pot is wonderful and delicious. But for me it has always been about the people I enjoy it with.
I was very grateful to share a hot pot dinner with my friends while I was away in college this Chinese New Year. This is the third year in a row that I have spent this major holiday away from home. Finally I have been able to make a piece of home for myself, here. I hope you will try this very special meal and find that it makes you as happy as it makes me.
Xin nian quai le! A very happy New Year to you all.
– Angela M.
Chinese New Year Hot Pot
You can throw just about anything in hot pot. Here’s a list of common ingredients:
– Thinly sliced pork, mutton, beef, or chicken
– Fresh raw shrimp or prawns
– Mussels
– Clams
– White-fleshed fish
– Nappa cabbage
– Any variety of mushroom
– Tomatoes
– Spinach
– Tong hao
– Medium or Firm tofu
– Fried tofu
– Imitation krab
– Fish balls
– Handmade noodles
You can find these items at any Asian market. You’ll also need an electric pot. Fondue pots work just fine.
The Spinning Plate 
I love this meal, very social and inclusive. Tastes great, too!
Everyone loves what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve included you guys to our blogroll.
I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality
articles or weblog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled
upon this website. Reading this information So
i am satisfied to express that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I
came upon just what I needed. I so much no doubt will make sure to
do not put out of your mind this web site and give it
a look on a continuing basis.
First of all I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like
to ask if you do not mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your
thoughts before writing. I have had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there.
I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems
like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted just trying to figure out how to
begin. Any recommendations or hints? Many thanks!
Amazing! Its actually amazing piece of writing, I have got
much clear idea on the topic of from this article.
Quest Bars blogesaurus
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
Votre utérus a besoin de 4 semaines pour se contracter et retrouver sa
taille normale, et de nombreuses femmes maigriront d’entre 3,5
et 9 kilos pendant ces 2 premières semaines puisque le corps se débarrasse de tous
ces liquides devenus superflus.
These were so popular that Celebrity added 34 AquaClass Suites
onboard Reflection.