The nuclear family of author Hsiao-Ching Chou and her husband, TV producer Eric Riddle, includes all of their (mixed-race) cousins and relatives. Forming a multicultural, interracial clan, they have found comfort, meaning, and joie de vivre in celebrations that meld their American identity with their multiple racial ethnicities.
In Feasts of Good Fortune: 75 Recipes for a Year of Chinese American Celebrations, the opening salvo, “Why This Book,” introduces a key theme of the publication: the “what and why” of its genesis. Aside from providing a plethora of interesting, delicious recipes; pages of informative details regarding major festivals and celebrations; professional, high-quality photos; and a practical series of instructive pages conveying detailed information regarding key ingredients, equipment, and techniques, Chou and her daughter, Meilee Chou Riddle, moved beyond delivering a mere book of interesting recipes. They sought to encapsulate their work concerning a significant dilemma that too often has confronted their family members, as well as many multiracial American households. In doing so, Feasts of Good Fortune does not obscure nor mislead the underlying seriousness of the publication’s intent.
Despite its multiethnic composition, the culture and traditions of the U.S. held by most Americans is referred to as a Western viewpoint largely derived from Northern and Western Europe. The unquestioned, sanctioned faces of Americans continue to be stereotyped as racially “white” individuals. The physiognomy of all others — primarily non-whites, e.g., Asians, Hispanics/Latinos, etc. — is relegated to that of other countries, regardless of country of birth.
Initiated during the course of mother-daughter conversations regarding the incessant “bias in subtle and blatant” acts leveled at Asians and their mixed-race progeny — often targeted for discrimination, abuse, or criminal acts by prejudiced, xenophobic individuals — Chou and Meilee Chou Riddle partnered to explore and contribute means to rectify the situation.
Through personal experiences that have united and raised their spirits as a multicultural American household, they noted several factors that have provided tangible support to sustain and nurture their family members — aspects that have strengthened their appreciation for who they are (Chinese Americans) and their offspring (multiethnic Americans). It is through their recent work that they share what and how various endeavors have made a positive difference in their lives.
Feasts of Good Fortune recognizes and celebrates both traditional Chinese and American customs, observances, and food. The authors found that by engaging in Chinese festivals and American celebrations, family members were able to bolster and forge bonds that reinforced acknowledgment, acceptance, and appreciation for who they were. It was through this realization that their book emerged.
The proverb “knowledge is power” is a means by which the authors share their findings with others. Feasts of Good Fortune provides a written footprint to follow for those seeking help. It is a feasible guide they offer in hopes that it may improve the lives of those who seek a more encouraging, less abrasive interactive existence. While the book is based on Chinese traditions, other heritages can be exchanged in its place.
The book is divided into two main sections:
Part 1: Connecting with Chinese Traditions celebrates several Middle Kingdom key holidays and customs. It includes background information, recipes passed down from family generations, and special “Mom Says” supplementary advice. The holidays include: Lunar New Year (13 recipes, including Sticky Rice with Chicken and Chinese Sausage); the Lantern Festival (five recipes, including Glutinous Rice Balls with Black Sesame Paste); Honoring the Dead/Qing Ming (12 recipes, including Steamed Spinach Dumplings); the Dragon Boat Festival – Zong Zi (five recipes, including Chicken and Chinese Sausage Zongzi); the Mid-Autumn Festival (nine recipes, including Savory Dungeness Crab, and Mooncakes); Winter Solstice (three recipes, including Lamb and Leek Dumplings, and Gingery Chicken Wonton Soup).
Part 2: Celebrating Our Mixed Culture centers on non-Chinese holidays. It focuses on typical Western celebrations. The recipes presented meld together American and Chinese or Asian recipes — “foods traditional to those holidays (that) include a Chinese or Asian touch.” Added are “Meilee’s Perspective,” in which she shares her thoughts relative to the subject matter. This component includes: Birthday and Party Bites (11 recipes, including Tofu Poppers with Chili Crisp, Wok Charred Garlic Broccoli, and Popcorn Chicken); Stir-Fries Make Great Holiday Side Dishes (11 recipes, including Hot-and-Sour Taiwanese Cabbage, and Garlic Eggplant; Hot Pot is a Melting Pot (seven recipes, including Seafood Hot Pot, Vegetarian Hot Pot, and Meat Lover’s Hot Pot).
The warmth emanating between mother and daughter throughout the book is an added element to an original piece that celebrates noteworthy recipes simultaneously dealing with an important social message, making for a significant and welcome addition to one’s bookshelf collection.
