Lunar New Year 2020: The Year of the Rat

Legend has it that in the race to determine the order of the zodiac animals, the rat convinced the ox to give him a ride to the finish line, where he promptly jumped off and crossed before all the others.

The rat's lucky numbers are two and three, and their lucky colors are blue, green, and gold. March, September, and November will be the most auspicious months this year for rats, so plan accordingly!

If you were born on the Year of the Rat, you should be careful of your health in 2020, and combat any oncoming sicknesses by eating plenty of veggies and lean proteins. But if you want to sneak some extra sweets for the New Year, we won't tell!

To ring in the year of the rat, try out these yummy Chinese or Chinese-inspired recipes!

These traditional Chinese Peanut Cookies are sweet morsels of peanutty goodness that crumble and melt in your mouth. This popular Chinese New Year treat is so easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Nowadays, murukku is something that many Chinese homes will serve for Chinese New Year. Chinese Murukku is an easy, instant recipe that is so easy to make and crispy to munch. Perfect for the last-minute cooks!

This healthy and easy Steamed Chinese Pumpkin Cake is soft and moist especially when served warm. You can place the remaining pumpkin cake in the fridge and re-steam it the next day for morning breakfast.

If you're a complete carb addict, this Chinese Scallion Bread is the perfect accompaniment to all of that flavorful Chinese food you'll be enjoying for the New Year!