Which great culinary festival will you choose?

Chinese New Year, Pancake Day, and Valentine’s Day

This week presents us with a delightful predicament: three distinct culinary experiences vying for our attention! As we navigate through the celebrations of Chinese New Year, Pancake Day, and Valentine’s Day, each offers its unique flavours, traditions, and festivities. Choosing just one to focus on this week seems almost impossible, so instead, I thought I’d do a round up of each and let you make your own choices as to which you choose to celebrate!

Chinese New Year: Saturday 10th February 2024

Kicking off the weekend is the start of the vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year, a time of renewal, family gatherings, and of course yummy foods! This year is the Year of the Dragon which in Chinese culture is seen as a time of power, strength, and good luck. People born in this year are believed to inherit these qualities, encouraging them to pursue their goals with determination. We love Chinese food and is one that we often cook (or order in) so here are a few of our favourite recipes if you want to make your own New Year feast to celebrate. Lemon (not) Chicken, Chop Suey, Salt & Chilli Tofu, Dumplings & Spring rolls.

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day): Tuesday 13th February 2024

Next on the menu is Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, the day before the start of Lent. While pancakes may seem simple, this day invites us to indulge in our favourite sweet and savoury creations. Whether you prefer classic pancakes with a squeeze of lemon and sugar, fluffy stacks with fresh berries and syrup, or savoury options with creamy sauces and vegetables, Pancake Day offers endless possibilities. Here are a few recipes to get you started: American style pancakes, Chocolate Cherry Pancakes, Oat based pancakes.

Valentines Day: Wednesday 14th February 2024

Valentines day will be here before I have a chance to post again and of course, there are so many ways this can be celebrated whether you are part of a couple or not! While traditionally associated with romantic dinners and chocolates, Valentines Day extends beyond romantic gestures to embrace all forms of love and appreciation. So, whether you’re treating your significant other to a candlelit dinner, sharing chocolates with friends, or just indulging in some self care, Valentine’s Day can truly be celebrated by all. If you’re after some special recipes, why not try: a meat free lasagne with salad, or a tasty curry with rice and popadoms, followed by Heart shaped shortbread cookies, or delicious chocolate brownies.

What do I need?

This section would usually show you a selection of items I think would help you create this recipe. However, as Amazon have updated their links, please bear with me until I sort the pictures out! Instead here are some generic links for ingredients and equipment! However, if you click on the following links for relevant items, you will go straight to them: Chinese New Year Dragon decorations. Pancake maker machine. Maple Syrup (grade A). Assortment of Turkish Delight (8 flavours)! Booja Booja chocolates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you in advance – it all helps towards the website fees.

20%

Blue Diamond Cookware Diamond Infused Ceramic Nonstick 7 Piece Cookware Pots and Pans Set, PFAS-Free, Induction Compatible, Oven Safe, Blue

£129.99

BUNDLEPRO, 2.1 Quart Saucepan Set with Lid, Nonstick Aluminum Sauce Pot, Induction Compatible Small Cooking Pots with Silicone Spatulas for Milk, Soup, Pasta, Egg, Rice (BLUE)

Silicone Spatula, Spatulas for Cooking 450°F Heat Resistant Seamless Rubber Spatulas Non-Stick Silicone Kitchen Utensils for Cooking, Baking and Mixing, Dishwasher Safe (Pink)

M KITCHEN WORLD Silicone Spatula – 4, Heat-Resistant, Rubber Spatulas for Cooking and Baking – Non-Stick, Dishwasher-Safe Cookware & Kitchen Utensils – Orange

12%

Set of 6 Stainless Steel 17CM BALTI Dishes – Indian Serving Dishes – Curry Night – Fast Dispatch by Prima

£11.89 (£1.98 / count)

New Double Food Dish Warmer Chafing Chrome Oval Plate Burner Heat Warm + 2 Free Candle | Warm 2 Plates at Once | Keep Food Warm ON Table | Long Lasting

Sharing

Which of these days will you be celebrating? Are you sharing or eating all the pancakes yourself!? Likely is, we will celebrate all three of these wonderful events in some way or another, although possibly there may be a crossover – pancakes for Valentines breakfast sounds great to me!

Anyway, as always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest,  Facebook or X.

Leave me a comment (or two) below… I love to chat!

I hope to speak with you soon

Laurena x