Chinese New Year 2008

Chinese New Year is approaching! Chinese New Year falls on February 7th in 2008. It will be the Year of the Rat - Year 4706 according to the traditional Chinese calendar. Chinese astrologists predict that 2008 will be a great year for those born in the year of the Rat, Rabbit or Ox. The outlook is mixed for Tigers and Monkeys, and not so good for people born in a Horse year.

There are a number of things you can do to get ready for Chinese New Year in 2008, from painting doorways and window sills bright red (the Chinese believe red is a lucky color), to preparing harmony trays filled with sweets and snacks to pass out to visitors (pictured in the photo). Learn more about how you can prepare for and celebrate Chinese New Year.

Super Bowl Recipes:
Today, here are my suggestions for Chinese Super Bowl finger food:

• Baked Hoisin Chicken Wings:
  Looking for a different way to serve chicken wings? In this easy recipe the wings are marinated in a spicy mixture with honey and hoisin sauce (available at most supermarkets) and baked.
  
• Chinese Dry Garlic Spareribs:
  In this Montreal specialty the ribs are boiled until tender, and then simmered in a flavorful sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, and dry mustard. For extra spice, feel free to add hot red peppers or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

_{Chinese New Year prosperity tray photo, Copyright © 2007, Rhonda Parkinson, licensed to About.com, Inc}