CNY Calorie Guide

By Jovita Ang 

Bak Kwa (pork jerky). Recipe and image via Citrus and Candy

It's that time of the year where homes are decked in vibrant red, wide galore of snacks fill the coffee table and where families go visiting all in good festive cheer. Chinese New Year is a major celebration for the Chinese as it marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar. It's also that time where the single most difficult question goes a little like this, "Which snack should I have now? This or both?" While it's easy to keep popping these delightful sweet and savoury treats (I'm guilty), they're deadly. They might seem like nothing at all; some light as air, some small and seemingly harmless. No doubt one or two can't hurt, but.... who stops there? 

Get ready, you're not going to like what you're about to see. 

Traditional Chinese New Year Peanut Cookies. Recipe and image via Baking equals Love

Hae Bee Hiam, Nonya Spicy Dried Shrimp Sambal and Mini Prawn Rolls. Recipe and image via Feast to the World

Kuih Bahulu. Recipe and image via Sea Salt with Food

Melt in the mouth Pineapple Tarts. Recipe and image via Wendyinkk

Love Letters. Recipe and image via Lisa's Lemony Kitchen

Yam Nian Gao Fritters. Recipe and image via Roti n Rice 

Prune Kueh Lapis. Recipe and image via Atkokken

I know, this list hurts. But I've decided to wipe my frown off and celebrate to my heart's content. This means countless slices of bak kwa (I love this stuff, it's almost impossible to stop at two slices, much less one), a whole bowl of Kuih Bahulu, and two pieces of glorious gooey Yam Nian Gao. But with that I'll be sure to down tons of tea. Then at night, I'll be in my favourite exercise gear and moving to three rounds (or maybe two?) of HIIT. Happy Chinese New Year!