Buddha's Delight (Jai) For New Year's Day

This vegetarian dish is traditionally served on the first day of the Chinese New Year, both to cleanse out the body and to honor a Buddhist tradition that nothing living should be killed on the first day of the New Year. Traditionally, Buddha's Delight is made with eighteen ingredients, as the Chinese believe eighteen is a lucky number. This recipe is simpler, but you'll want to give yourself time to go to a Chinese/Asian market for the dried lily buds, Chinese mushrooms and a few other special ingredients.

If you're looking for a healthy dessert to finish the meal, try this colorful fruit salad made with starfruit, pomengranate and citrus fruits, from About's Guide to Low Fat Cooking.