Reunion Dinner 2008

My mum outdid herself again.

Every year, the family from near and far get together for this extravagant dinner on the eve of the Lunar New Year. This dinner is also known as the "reunion" dinner as it reunites all the family member as we celebrate the year of the Rat.

We traveled 5 hours to return to our hometown in Kuala Lumpur. As usual, we were welcomed by an elaborately decorated house with all the festive knick knacks, ornaments and frills. A fortnight prior to this day, the whole family would have been in cleaning mode to throw out the old and blow off the dust. It is an important tradition as it reflects that one would not want any old and dirty habits to start the new year.

This year, we have a new member joining the dinner. Our little 4 month old baby girl so there is much to celebrate.

Mum had been brewing her double-boiled soup for nearly 48 hours now. The broth is beaming with tired chicken feet, pork bones, dried scallops and waxed duck. This broth is an essential ingredient base for some of her cooking later. As early as 5am while the rest of the household sleeps, Mum had dawned her apron for a leading head start on the food preparations.

This year, we saw an introduction of a couple of new dishes making the total banquet spread to 15 delectable courses. Yes, 15 - unbelievable but true. All of it spread elegantly, nearly brimming to the edge of the round table. What you don't see above is the fish and the soup which made its appearance when everyone's seated. It is important that each ingredient plays a symbolic wish for the new year. Leeks for "calculations", Prawns for "laughter", Fish for "balance" etc etc.

I'll introduce some of the newcomers this year, which takes pride on the dining table and eventually in our stuffed tummies....


Above, blanched baby kailan (kale) topped with braised giant oysters, mushrooms and fatt choy.


Above, the double-boiled soup with fish maw stuffed with minced pork, pig's stomach, fishballs and chinese cabbage.


Above, stir-fried asparagus with canadian scallops.


Above, the most expensive dish of the banquet, braised abalone in double-boiled stock.


Above, braised sea cucumber stuffed with minced pork and prawns.

The sweet ending for the feast was a dessert soup consisting of dried longan, white fungus, lotus seeds, gingko nuts, red dates. Only Mum can provide a feast like that. We showed our gratitude by enjoying each dish with gusto!

We wish all the Chinese readers a Prosperous and Healthy year of the Rat!