Chinese New Year Cookies are an essential part of the traditional food culture of China during the Lunar New Year. These cookies represent luck, prosperity, and happiness, and it is customary to offer them to guests as a symbol of good wishes for the upcoming year. The cookies are also believed to bring good fortune to the household that makes them, and the different shapes, colors, and flavors have cultural significance. Overall, the Chinese New Year Cookies are a delicious and meaningful way to celebrate the holiday.

The terms “dirty” or “neat” refer to how a drink is served. A drink is considered “neat” when it is served without any additional mixers or garnishes. On the other hand, a drink is called “dirty” when it is mixed or served with additional ingredients, such as olive brine or vermouth. The term “dirty” is commonly used to describe martinis that have been mixed with olive juice or other components to create a unique flavor profile. Ultimately, whether a drink is served dirty or neat is a matter of personal preference and the desired taste profile.

Yes, it is okay if brown sugar is hard. Brown sugar can become hard when exposed to air and moisture, but it can still be used in recipes. To soften hard brown sugar, you can simply place it in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel for a few hours to absorb moisture. Alternatively, you can break up the clumps with a fork or food processor.

Twice baked potatoes can become gummy due to over-mixing the ingredients, using too much dairy or not allowing enough time for the potatoes to properly dry out. Over-mixing can lead to a glue-like texture, and too much dairy can make the potatoes heavy and dense. To avoid gummy twice baked potatoes, be sure to mix the ingredients lightly, use just enough dairy to achieve the desired texture and allow enough time for the potatoes to dry before baking them again.

You will need 4 cups of water for 2 cups of oats. The ratio of water to oats is typically 2:Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil, add in the oats and let it simmer for around 5-10 minutes until the oats are soft and fluffy.

It depends on the brand and ingredients used to make the dressing. Some bleu cheese dressings may contain gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat flour or malt vinegar. However, many brands offer gluten-free options made with alternative ingredients such as distilled vinegar or cornstarch. It is important to check the product label and ingredients list or contact the manufacturer to determine if a particular bleu cheese dressing is gluten-free.

Fresh thyme is a small, leafy herb with thin stems and small, fragrant leaves. It has a bright green color and a distinct aroma. The leaves are delicate and have a slightly fuzzy texture. The herb can be found in sprigs or whole bunches, and is often used in cooking as a seasoning or garnish.

Tri tip is located in the bottom sirloin area of the cow, specifically between the sirloin and the flank. It is a triangular-shaped muscle that is lean, tender, and full of flavor, making it a popular cut for grilling and roasting.

The standard size for a waffle maker is usually around 8 inches in diameter. However, there are many different sizes and shapes of waffle makers available on the market, including square and rectangular ones. It ultimately depends on the specific model and brand of the waffle maker.

For a keto breakfast, you can have eggs prepared in different ways such as scrambled, boiled or fried in butter or coconut oil. You can also have a side of bacon or sausage, avocado, spinach or other non-starchy vegetables, and cheese. Alternatively, you can make a keto smoothie using coconut milk, keto-friendly protein powder or collagen peptides, avocado, and low-carb fruits like berries. Remember to avoid high-carb breakfast items like bread, cereals, pastry, and sweetened yogurts.