Chef and Cookbook Author Natasha Pickowicz on How She Celebrates Lunar New Year With Hot Pot
Embrace the Ancient Tradition of Hot Pot: A Lunar New Year Celebration
In the heart of the Lunar New Year, chef and cookbook author Natasha Pickowicz invites us to explore the ancient tradition of hot pot, a beloved holiday ritual in her family. Growing up in San Diego, Pickowicz eagerly awaited the arrival of the Lunar New Year, not just for the gifts and celebrations, but for the ultimate culinary experience: hot pot.
Hot pot, an ancient cooking method, is a communal tableside broth where bite-sized morsels of fresh vegetables, meats, seafood, and tofu are poached. It's a tradition that transcends generations and cultures, and for Pickowicz, it's the strongest family bond, surpassing even Christmas and birthdays.
But here's where it gets controversial: while her parents were strict in her daily life, Lunar New Year was their time to let loose. Their parties became legendary, attracting teenagers from nearby cliques, and the hot pot was the star of the show. Pickowicz's love for hot pot grew exponentially as she introduced new people to this ancient tradition, expanding the circle of love and tradition.
In her new cookbook, Everyone Hot Pot: Creating the Ultimate Meal for Gathering and Feasting, Pickowicz shares her unique approach to hot pot, which has become a symbol of her desire to bring people together. From Ithaca to Portland, Montreal to NYC, hot pot has been the catalyst for friendship and community, especially during the Lunar New Year. She even shares a romantic story of how she used hot pot to win over her boyfriend's heart.
The author's love for hot pot has evolved over the years, and she now embraces it as a central part of her New Year's celebrations. She eagerly awaits the Lunar New Year to travel home and host a hot pot feast for her parents' small group of friends, serving up signature embellishments like their antique copper hot pot and tiny blue shot glasses. Pickowicz also brings her own unique touch to the table, like scattering edible flowers on platters of thinly sliced lamb and roasting bones for the broth.
But the true magic of hot pot lies in its ability to bring people together. Pickowicz believes that over every hot pot, something ineffable happens. People leave relaxed and loose, their eyes heavy and belts tight. Her father's words ring true: at the hot pot table, you could sit next to a stranger and become best friends by the end of the night. In a time when we need moments to bring us together, hot pot is the perfect solution.
So, this Lunar New Year, embrace the ancient tradition of hot pot and create your own magical moments. Pickowicz's cookbook, Everyone Hot Pot, is the perfect guide to sharing and hosting, and her love for this ancient cookery will surely inspire you to create your own unique traditions.
