A TOUR OF ASIAN CUISINE
SPONSORED by ANNIE CHUN'S
A few months ago I applied to host an Annie Chun's Dinner Party. I was thrilled to be selected as one of their hosts.
One thing I really love about hosting a sponsored party is being introduced to products I may not have tried before and realizing - WHAT HAVE I BEEN MISSING. Annie Chun's products provided that revelation. Asian cuisine is one that I have not done a lot at home, it always seemed easier to order takeout. I was wrong! Annie Chun's helps you create delicious fresh easy asian dishes in less time then it takes a delivery order to arrive.
Speaking of arrival. . .
I was overjoyed when I received my box of goodies. I could not believe the wonderful bounty that arrived on my doorstep.
There were noodles, rice, and sauces for three different Asian Menus along with coupons for free wontons and black sticky rice for a wonderfully yummy asian dessert.
Menus for China, Korea, and Thailand were provided.
The challenge was to pick one.
What country would you like to visit tonight? That would be the hardest decision of the event - its like asking someone to pick their favorite kid - you just can't do it - so this is where I decided to go a little crazy and do all three. Why not have a tour of Asian cuisine rather than just one country. After all, with all the great products provided by Annie Chun's, I wanted to share my bounty with my friends and loved ones.
THEME
Chinese New Year - The Year of the Rabbit
Although we would be enjoying foods from three asian countries, with the Chinese New Year beginning on February 3, 2011, I chose a Chinese New Year celebration as the backdrop for the night.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit, which begins on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012.
The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the ChineseZodiac, which consists of 12 animals signs. The Rabbit is a lucky sign. Rabbits are private individuals and a bit introverted. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are reasonably friendly individuals who enjoy the company of a group of good friends. They are good teachers, counselors and communicators, but also need their own space.
According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.
Not many people know that the Rabbit is the symbol of the Moon, while the Peacock is the symbol of the Sun, and that together, these two animal signs signify the start of day and night, represent the Yin and Yang of life. It is said that anyone making supplications for wishes to be fulfilled are certain to get what they want... and in the Year of the Rabbit, the wish-granting aspect of the Sun and the Moon combined is multiplied. The Moon is YIN and this is the Yin of Heaven, signifying magic. Thus on each of the Full Moon nights of this year, go out into your garden to gaze into the Full Moon and visualize plenty of Moon dust and Moon glow flowing into you, filling your whole body with bright white light and granting you fearlessness, love and courage. This will not only strengthen your inner "Chi" energy, it will also bring wisdom into your life.
Traditionally, Red envelopes or red packets (Cantonese: lai sze or lai see) (利是, 利市 or 利事); (Mandarin: 'hóng bāo' (红包); Hokkien: 'ang pow' (POJ: âng-pau); Hakka: 'fung bao'; are passed out during the Chinese New Year's celebrations, from married couples or the elderly to unmarried juniors. It is also common for adults or young couples to give red packets to children. Red packets are also known as 壓歲錢/压岁钱 (Ya Sui Qian, which was evolved from 壓祟錢/压祟钱, literally, the money used to suppress or put down the evil spirit ) during this period.
Here Aidan and Zachary receive their New Years Red Envelopes.
DECORATIONS
With the theme of Chines New Year I decided a red and gold motif would be perfect. In the Chines Culture, bright red symbolizes happiness while gold represents wealth and happiness. A perfect start to a new year.
MENU PLANNING
Menu planning became very easy with the products and recipes provided by Annie Chun's. They provided the recipes, the ingredient lists, the special sauces and coupons for free products to round out the night. They even threw in a check to help with the produce and protein.
I love Asian Cuisine, all kinds from Chinese to Japanese to Korean. I also love to cook but admittedly have little experience cooking any type of Asian cuisine. The delicious sauces and wonderful noodles from Annie Chun's made me realize just how delicious and easy it is to create Asian dishes at home where I can control the ingredients. Annie Chun's products will now be a constant staple in my pantry.
A trip to the farmers market for all the fresh produce brought this beautiful bounty. I love all the vibrant colors found in fresh produce and this picture makes me do a happy dance.
THE MENU
APPETIZERS
When people arrived they would be greeted with Annie Chun's Pork Ginger mini-wontons and Chicken Garlic mini-wontons served with a warmed ponzu sauce with scallions. Other starting snacks included: seaweek snacks, wasabi peas, roasted peanuts, tangerines and the cutest rabbit crackers - not at all Asian but I couldn't resist - given it is the year of the rabbit and all.
Oranges and tangerines are common in the Chinese New Year
as they represent good health & long life.
I couldn't resist these adorable rabbit crackers!!
Annie Chun's Mini Wontons with Warm Ponzu Sauce and Scallions.
These didn't last long.
ENTREES
Chinese Food
Classic Chicken Chow Mein
Aside from a bit of chopping, this dish took no time at all. The quality of the noodles was perhaps the best I have ever had and the stir-fry sauce was perfectly seasoned without a bitter salty taste that sometimes exists with Chinese Food. Making this dish at home allowed me to choose the vegetables, control the oil and create a healthy fresh dinner.
Isn't that the most beautiful chicken chow mein
you have ever seen.
Korean Style Marinated Flank Steak (Bulgogi)
I recently hosted a student from Korea in my home while she was here studying english. For Christmas we went to a famous Korean restaurant here in Los Angles and my favorite part o the meal was the Bulgogi. The sweet spicy taste of the meat sent my tastebuds into overdrivce. Could I recreate this dish at home with Annie Chun's sauces. A resounding yes is the answer and this was the easiest of dishes to make. Marinate, cook, slice, then eat. This was among the favorite dishes of my dinner guests.
Just marinate the beef in Annie Chun's sauces for 24 hours and cook. Couldn't be simpler, couldn't be more delicious.
My mouth waters just looking at this picture. I can't wait to make this again.
Thai Food
Thai Satay
This peanut sauce was not too think not to thick, not to sweet, it was just right!! Peanut sauce is one of my all time favorite sauces in the world an now I can have it at the snap of a finger thanks to Annie Chun's.
Restaurant Style Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of those dishes that is very intimidating. In fact when my guests arrived and saw me making the pad thai they said "I didn't know you made pad thai" and I responded "neither did I, brace yourself, this is a first for me." The thing I loved about Annie Chun's Pad Thai is how light and fresh it tasted. Some pad thai I've had has been overly greasy and oily with a dull heavy taste. Annie Chun's pad thai sauce is perfectly flavored and light allowing this dish to become a fresh revelation.
Not bad for a first timer, don't you agree!!
Dessert
Black Pearl Sticky Rice with Mango & Coconut Sauce
I have to admit I had never tried black sticky rice before, this was my first time but definitely won't be my last. I used a silicone mold to form the perfect size dessert portions. These were a crowd pleaser, the sweet coconut milk was the perfect accompaniment to the sticky rice.
Of course it wouldn't be a Chines New Year without fortune cookies.
THE FUNDRAISER
While I was planning the party I happened to visit the Annie Chun's website and learned they are involved in the World Food Program USA.
I learned through this site that it only takes a quarter to feed a child a meal. 1 quarter. Such a small amount, considering most of us lose quarters in the laundry every week or at the bottom of our purses or empty our pockets and throw the change in a bowl.
I thought what a great opportunity to give back. As part of the invitation I let people know to search their couches, empty their pockets, and dig through their purses to donate to the World Food Program USA. I would collect the funds and make one donation through the Annie Chun's website which Annie Chun's would then match. This was one of the best parts of the night. The kids and adults alike loved putting coins and bills into the World Food Program donation basket. If you'd like to donate simply follow the link below and Annie Chun's will match it. Remember - no amount is too small.
THE REVIEWS
The night was a huge success. Everybody loved Annie Chun's and the fresh delightful flavors.
Don't take my word for here. Here's a recap of the night
including reviews from the diners.
PARTING GIFTS
As part of the gift box Annie Chun's also provided chopsticks and product coupons for all the guests. I wrapped then in Chinese New Year take out boxes with fortune cookies, chinese notepads, and chinese erasers.
Thank you Annie Chun's for helping with such a wonderful night. Everyone loved the food and had a great time - but don't take my word for it. Here is what my guests had to say about the food.
I hope you enjoyed this recap of my
Easy Elegant Asian Dinner Party
Sponsored by
Annie Chun's.
Happy New Year!!
Happy Cooking and Remember to Take Time to
Enjoy a Little Gourmet Everyday!!
The setting is exquisite and fully authentic. Great photography as well. The food is also well done.
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