Chinese New Year Goodies

CEBU, Philippines - Gong Xi Fa Cai! Food plays an important role in the celebration of the Chinese New Year, which is also called Lunar New Year since it follows the Lunar Calendar. Families who celebrate this holiday gather together to eat and enjoy each other's company.

Thanks to the management of Cebu La Fortuna Bakery, Inc. (particularly on Borromeo Street) for letting us take photographs of their New Year goodies last Sunday. Kuya Reynan and I were there to ask about the Chinese wishes for the New Year, which starts today and we learned of the following:

• The Chinese make sure that there's "Tikoy" or sweet and sticky rice cake on the table because for them this symbolizes closer family ties;

• They also put "Moachi". We know this as macie. This is made of glutinous rice pounded to make a paste and molded into shape - either a sphere or cube. This stands for good luck;

• There's "Huat Kee" or puto camote (sweet potato cake) for growth and prosperity;

• "Red Ampao" or red pop rice crispies for a happy and lively New Year;

• "Chubiko" (rice cake with mongo or peanut filling) for long life and good health;

• and of course, the Chinese couldn't do without the Fortune Cookies which obviously are for wishing loved ones a good fortune.

To make New Year wishes, these six symbolic goodies are to be placed on a table covered with red cloth, facing the window. You are then to make your wishes for your loved ones and yourself, too. The sweet goodies are to be left overnight on the table. You and your loved ones may eat them the next day. You are also to pray that the New Year may bring you lots of bounty and good luck.

We also learned that the "tikoy" is ready to eat when soft. However, if it has hardened, you may follow these steps:

• Slice it into small pieces after removing the cellophane cover.

• Beat a piece of raw egg in a bowl.

• Dip the sliced tikoy into the beaten egg.

• Put the sliced tikoy in the oil-laced frying pan to cook for about a minute.

• The golden brown tikoy is now ready to be enjoyed.

Huat Kee and Chubiko are ready to eat when soft, this was further learned. If hardened, you may steam it, as Huat Kee and Chubiko are very tasty to eat when warm.