I was intrigued by the description and wanted to hear another persons experience of a mixed heritage and the strong connections with food. Sharing food with family, friends and colleagues is key part of my experience of Chinese culture, particularly the Hong Kong Chinese spin on this. This is firmly endorsed by the voices of Meilei and her mother Hsiao-Ching, and although the book focuses on the Chinese American experience, I find that this is easily translatable to other countries across the world with a Chinese diaspora.
The book comes in two parts - Part 1 : Connecting with Chinese Traditions and Part 2: Celebrating a mixed culture. There are also explanations of ingredients, equipment, how to cook family style, effort ratings and etiquette.
Part 1 goes through the key annual Chinese festivals, starting with Lunar New Year and ending with Qingming (Festival of the dead). The food described is delicious and as explained all Chinese food. particularly at feast times hold a meaning. For example at New year you have clementine's with leaves as this represents good fortune, spring rolls symbolise wealth and spring onions symbolise good luck and continuous growth.
Part 2 explores how Chinese food can and has been adapted for the taste of the country the family now call home. Thanksgiving with some Asian style sides, birthday noodles, hot pots (the Chinese fondue without the cheese!). I can thoroughly relate to this as growing up my Sunday roast dinners always had rice rather than roast potatoes, this is a tradition my boys follow and one of their favourite meals.
This was a fabulous read and I would recommend to anyone interested in Chinese food, culture and family.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.

1. I love how this book is organized
2. I love the explanation of traditions(food and otherwise) surrounding each occasion
3. The preparation instructions provided- what you should be doing day before, 1-2 hours before etc- is extremely helpful
4. The different perspectives- mom, author, daughter, etc- do help explain generationally how different folks view these events
5. All of the recipes sound delicious
6. Now I want to travel to see these festivals happen

This book had lots of great recipes that I am very exciting to try, I know these recipes would impress my friends and family.

Book Review: Feasts of Good Fortune by Hsiao-Ching Chou; Meilee Chou Riddle

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a lover of both cooking and culture, I was absolutely thrilled to dive into Feasts of Good Fortune by Hsiao-Ching Chou and her daughter Meilee Chou Riddle. This stunningly beautiful cookbook is not just a collection of recipes; it's a heartfelt journey through the Chinese American experience, celebrating the traditions and values that bind families together over shared meals.

The book features 75 recipes that guide you through a full year of celebrations, from the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year to the warmth of Thanksgiving get-togethers. What I love most is how the authors blend past and present. Hsiao-Ching draws from her own culinary heritage, sharing recipes that have been passed down through generations, while Meilee brings a fresh perspective as she reconnects with her roots as a young adult. Their collaboration creates a beautiful tapestry of flavors and stories that invite readers to gather around their family dinner table.

One thing that immediately struck me about this cookbook is its gorgeous presentation. It’s visually captivating with colorful photographs and illustrations that make it not only a functional guide but also an impressive addition to my coffee table. I can already imagine friends flipping through it, admiring the vibrant images while I whip up some dumplings!

The recipes are organized chronologically by seasonal celebrations, which is incredibly helpful—no more guessing what to cook for each festival! I caught myself going back and forth to look at my favorites, such as Scallion Pancakes, Glutinous Rice Balls with Black Sesame Paste, Garlic Shrimp, and, of course, all the delicious dumplings!

Each recipe comes with background information, yields, and clear step-by-step directions, making them accessible to cooks of all skill levels. The authors did a fantastic job of tagging recipes with difficulty ratings, so you know what to expect in terms of prep and cooking time. Most of the ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store, but a few might require a trip to an Asian market—definitely worth it for the authentic flavors!

Beyond just recipes, Feasts of Good Fortune offers rich cultural insights. The authors share personal family stories that bring warmth and depth to the text. As someone who values the significance of food in cultural expression, I was particularly touched by how they honor festivals like Qingming and Dragon Boat with not just recipes but also the stories behind them.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a cookbook that's not only filled with delicious recipes but also serves as a celebration of heritage and family bonds, look no further. Feasts of Good Fortune is a must-have for any foodie’s collection. It's perfect for anyone who wants to bring a piece of Chinese American culture into their home kitchen while creating lasting memories with loved ones. Grab your apron and let’s start cooking!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Feasts by chronological order...

I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it. I think I can even pull off mooncakes and scallion pancakes. Arranged in chronological order, the feasts feel do-able.
Recommend.

Feasts of Good Fortune is a well written and beautifully curated cookbook with recipes by mother/daughter team Hsiao-Ching Chou and Meilee Chou Riddle. Due out 3rd Dec 2024 from Sasquatch Books, it's 256 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

There are festival and traditional Chinese American foods to prepare (and share) at home which are achievable by regular cooks. The recipes are well written and accessible and the book is gorgeous and colorful graphically with lots of photographs and illustrations in color.

The recipes are arranged thematically in chapters by seasonal celebrations and by culture, with the Chinese holidays: Lunar New Year, Lantern Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat, Mid Autumn, and Winter Solstice, followed by the American/fusion ones: Birthdays & party bites (noodles or cake?), stir fries, and hot pots.

The recipes are well selected and varied. Recipe ingredients are given in a bullet list sidebar. Each recipe includes some background info, yields, and step-by-step directions. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units only. Nutritional info is not included for the recipes. Most of the ingredients will be available at any well stocked grocery store in North America; some will require a trip to a local Asian/international food store.

The recipes are also tagged with a difficulty rating, allowing readers to have an idea how long prep and cooking will take. The authors have done a standout job providing background and cultural info about the festivals and celebrations which are covered in the book, including personal family stories which add depth and warmth to the read.

Five stars. This would make a great choice for public or school library acquisition, for cookbook collectors, and for gift giving. Stellar job on writing and curating.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Feasts of Good Fortune is a wonderful glimpse into Chinese recipes and celebrations with lots of pictures and easy to follow recipes, perfect for home cooks of all levels!

I loved that there were stories and personal anecdotes from the author and their family about the recipes, celebrations, and ingredients. Sometimes I find Chinese cookbooks daunting, since I didn't grow up with the recipes and ingredients, but everything is explained nicely with beautiful accompanying photos. Definitely worth checking out if you'd like to expand your culinary repertoire!

I received a free ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I really enjoyed looking through this
It’s a beautifully designed book with so many interesting recipes and stories to accompany.
5/5 stars

Great photographs, and great recipes, including vegan, make this a great read. Not just recipes, it also is an invitation into Chinese culture, with glimpses into the authors' (mother and daughter) family. A lovely culinary adventure!

Thank you Netgalley and Sasquatch Books for the ARC!

Feasts of Good Fortune: 75 Recipes for a Year of Chinese American Celebrations, from Lunar New Year to Mid-Autumn Festival and Beyond by Hsiao-Ching Chou and Meilee Chou Riddle

This cookbook, authored by a mother-daughter Chinese-American duo, is a delightful exploration of Chinese cuisine through the lens of cultural celebrations. What sets this book apart is its unique arrangement of recipes by the lunar calendar and holidays, rather than the usual categories of dishes.

The book begins with a detailed explanation of the lunar calendar, which is particularly helpful for those unfamiliar with it. It also offers a thorough introduction to common Chinese ingredients and utensils, including the use and care of a wok. I especially appreciated the section on etiquette, a topic often overlooked in cookbooks but essential for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the cultural experience.

The recipes themselves are traditional and authentic, rather than the typical dishes you might find in a restaurant. Each recipe is accompanied by helpful tips, many of which are lovingly introduced with a “Mom says” note, adding a warm, familial touch to the book.

I highly recommend this cookbook to anyone who enjoys Chinese food, wants to try making it at home, or appreciates a family-oriented approach to cooking.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I wanted to know more about Chinese food (especially the one prepared for events like Lunar New Year) but I usually found the information online lacking.

When I've seen this book I was so excited to start reading it and it is everything I wanted, filled with recipes fit for every occasion, traditions and stories about every celebration, I really feel like I got to know and understand a bit more about this amazing culture.

I can't wait to try the recipes because they sound so delicious, but I would like to try them at the appropriate time.

Unfortunately, this book (FEASTS OF GOOD FORTUNE) was archived several months before its scheduled December publication date. I apologize for missing the archive cutoff, but I was not able to explore the text before losing access. I am glad that others here had some favorable comments.

I did look at sample pages on amazon and liked the following: beautiful pictures; relatively basic recipe (based on one example) with fairly standard ingredients; the "intergenerational" and cultural aspect (based on essay about mooncakes). I will definitely look for a print version at the end of the year so as to investigate more fully. I think this could make for a fun, family-oriented gift over the holidays.

An amazing cultural e,exploration of Chinese culture and food. I truly loved this book. It was fascinating, can't wait to buy a hard copy for my kitchen shelf.

I love that this cookbook really gave more than just lunar new year as a holiday.

Truly educational, fun, and delicious.

Having lived in China for almost a decade, I was instantly drawn to this book!
The book is divided into two major sections, with one section discussing 5 festivals/occasions and the other section celebrating the mixed culture. Fun facts sprinkled throughout the book add depth and value to the topic, making reading enjoyable.
Before diving into the 75 homely recipes, a helpful chapter details key ingredients, necessary equipment, and cooking techniques. Colorful pictures accompany this section for visual reference.
Each chapter includes a “Mom Says” section that provides background information, tips, tricks, or other useful knowledge about the occasion or dish.
Vibrant and delectable photographs accompany the recipes, with some even featuring helpful step-by-step visuals. Beyond food, the book also includes relatable and interesting photos of family, shopping, and general scenes.
The inclusion of vegan/ vegetarian recipes is the true highlight! This book is a treasure for anyone who loves Chinese flavors.
This is more than just a cookbook; it's a journey through Chinese culture and tradition, offering a glimpse into the author's family. The bonus of vegan recipes, a rarity in Chinese cookbooks, makes it even more special.
The book evoked a powerful nostalgia for my time living in China. The various customs, traditions, and festivals celebrated with our Chinese friends came flooding back. Seeing the vegan recipes reminded me how chefs and friends' families would try to veganize or vegetarianize dishes so we could enjoy meals together.
The beautiful photos brought back happy memories of the food and the country I loved living in.
As I read each chapter, I discussed it all with my daughter, who was a toddler when we lived there. I told her how much I missed those festivities!
I will be trying out recipes from this book to relive our time in China.
This is a 5/5 star read.

"Feasts of Good Fortune' is a delightful culinary adventure and feels like a treasured family heirloom. I loved the gorgeous pictures and the helpful descriptions of the American-Chinese celebrations and menu ideas. There were also plenty of recipes for a wide range of dietary options, including vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian. I adored the reference to Uwajimaya's in Seattle, as my parents used to take me there when I was little and my mom still cook recipes from the store. Just like my own mom, the "Mom Says" sections provided invaluable tips and tricks for the recipes. Of the many recipes that stole my heart, the ones I really can't wait to try include: Stir-Fried Romaine, Steamed Ginger-Scallion Branzino, Stir-Fried Fish Balls with Veggies, Barbecued Duck Soup, and Seafood Hot Pot. This cookbook isn’t just about recipes; it’s about memories, love, and the joy of sharing food. Highly recommended for anyone seeking culinary magic with a side of nostalgia!

Delicious authentic Chinese recipes from Hsiao-Ching and her daughter Meilee! I am trying to eat healthy Chinese foods as it is one of my favorite cuisines, and knowing what ingredients to use to make my own favorite Chinese dishes instead of eating out at restaurants, is valuable to me. By following Hsiao-Ching's recipes I can control salt and carbohydrate content, etc, to follow the diet I am on. I enjoyed following the author through 75 recipes in this wonderful cookbook and learning more about Chinese ingredients, cooking techniques, and the history of each Chinese holiday. throughout the year.

The recipes were easy to follow and foolproof (I made 4 of them and will be making more) but it's the cultural context in here that's the real gold. Well written, informative, personal but appealing to others of a similar background and without being preachy or too dry. I couldn't recommend this enough.

A lovely Chinese American cookbook with a wonderful family feel. Find 75 mostly quick and easy recipes that look very tasty, and enjoy the warm dialogue of a mother and daughter as they recounts each traditional Chinese celebration and why they are important to them, and why this dish or special food matters.
I really loved the tone of this book, even if there weren't any great surprises in terms of dishes for me there. I did appreciate finding a recipe for black sesame tang yuan, which is a treat I usually buy frozen at my local Asian grocery - but that I might try my hand at.
If you don't have a Chinese cookbook yet this one is rather neat as the recipes are simple, perfect for beginners, and the tone is so sweet.
It definitely made me want to build tradition through food with my kids.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Feasts of Good Fortune.

I'm not familiar with the author but the bright cover drew my eye, as well as the fantastic recipes!

This cookbook contains recipes of all of the foods I ate growing up (and still do).

The recipes are organized chronologically with menus but I flipped back and forth to check out my favorite foods like scallion pancakes, sticky rice with chicken and Chinese sausage, rice balls with black sesame, and all the dumplings!

But this is more than a cookbook.

It's a story about growing up Asian American, and of mixed heritage, as the author's 17-year-old daughter Meilee contributes her personal experiences, both negative and positive, of what it means to be one of the few Asians in her school.

My two caveat is that not all the recipes come with photos and the formatting was wonky on my Kindle.

Don't read this on an empty stomach, or write a review on one!