Happy Little Year everyone!

February 8th marks the beginning preparations for Chinese New Year.  This 8 day period is the tailgate before the year flips over to the year of the dog.  The year of the Rooster is in its twilight.

To prepare, houses are cleaned to sweep away bad luck and prayers are offered to the stove god.  I personally believe in spring cleaning in the heart of winter, so I will be busy dusting out the old, making room for the new.  I will offer sacrifices to please the stove god by keeping its hearth warm and its belly full with braising and roasting.