{Chinese} New Year's Eve

For some reason, we always have Chinese food on New Year's Eve. I think it's because the New Year is such a big deal in Chinese culture.

(I am aware that the Chinese New Year is not the same as our New Year)

Are we the only ones?

Tonight we are having Coconut Shrimp and Egg Rolls with spicy orange marmalade dipping sauce and Asian Slaw (and Crockpot Hot Cocoa because I can't get enough of it!!)

Coconut Shrimp

1 egg

2/3 cup coconut milk

1/4 cup flour

Shrimp (I use frozen deveined and cleaned shrimp, thawed)

Shredded coconut

1. Mix egg, coconut milk, and flour to make a batter. These measurements are approximate, so adjust them as necessary to get a nice batter)

2. Dip shrimp in batter, turn to coat. Cover generously in shredded coconut.

3. Here is the important part!! Chill for at least 1/2 an hour (I make these while the girls are eating lunch and chill until dinnertime)

4. Heat oil of your choice on high in a deep fryer or large, deep skillet until very hot. Add shrimp; turn when coconut is toasted and brown (about 3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.

Egg Rolls

1 lb ground beef

1/2 bag coleslaw mix

1 cup Asian marinade (look for them in the BBQ sauce section)

Egg roll wrappers

1. Brown and drain ground beef.

2. Combine ground beef, coleslaw, and marinade in large bowl; toss to coat.

3. Place heaping teaspoonful of ground beef mixture in the center of an egg roll wrapper; wrap and seal edges with water.

4. Fry in hot oil until brown on all sides.

Spicy Orange Marmalade

Mix orange marmalade and Dijon mustard to taste

Asian Slaw

1/2 bag coleslaw mix

1 can Mandarin oranges

1 package Ramen noodles

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Mango Mint hot sauce (to taste, if desired)

1 cup boiling water

1. Put Ramen noodles in a colander and slowly pour boiling water over them to soften; mix with coleslaw mix and mandarin oranges in large bowl.

2. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, seasoning packet from Ramen noodles, and hot sauce. Add to coleslaw mix; toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least an hour.