During the early stages of the pandemic, many people grappled with how to handle an unprecedented amount of downtime. Stuck indoors while coping with the stress and uncertainty of the situation, people seemingly began moving en masse to more hands-on, wholesome activities – think puzzles, pet adoption, or the Dalgona whipped coffee trend.

But no trend was more popular, prevalent, and posted about on social media than the rise of home baking. Everyone from well-known culinary pros like Martha Stewart and Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi to celebrity amateur bakers like Chrissy Teigen, Khloe Kardashian and Kate Bosworth shared their baked creations with hungry followers, while pantry staples like flour and yeast sold out in supermarkets around the world.

Sourdough, in particular, captured the hearts of millions. As a naturally leavened bread – meaning it uses wild yeast to rise as opposed to commercial – sourdough is known for its nutrient-dense, flavorful, and satisfyingly chewy characteristics. It’s also more challenging to bake with than standard loaves. Novice bakers must contend with what’s known as a sourdough “starter”, a fermented flour and water mixture made with wild yeast and live bacteria, which requires legwork to cultivate, feed and maintain.

For the uninitiated, sourdough starters are a ripe, thriving environment of different yeast strains and bacteria. And each type of yeast possesses different behaviors and characteristics that impart complex flavors and aromas. That’s a big part of the intrigue of working with sourdough – there’s always an element of mystery about how it will all turn out.

Some yeasts, for example, produce the smell of artificial banana, while others are known for delivering nutty, earthy, mushroomy, vinegary or even metallic taste profiles. Thanks to lactic and acetic acids produced by environmental bacteria, a slightly sour flavor – which gives this baking style its unique name – also develops.

When properly cared for, a sourdough starter can provide yeast for decades or even centuries. When it comes to the sourdough at Baked, a popular all-day brunch cafe in Hong Kong, their in-house starter has been passed down over several generations – a legacy recipe that has traveled the world and brought joy to many.

Baked’s owner and head chef is South African Zahir Mohamed. He arrived in Hong Kong six years ago, carrying only his most prized possessions – namely his suitcases, his savings, and a jar of his grandmother’s 54-year-old sourdough starter.

“The best sourdough is always handmade because it requires the ability to slowly build and strengthen the gluten inside. It’s what gives the dough a stretchy consistency and causes it to rise properly,” explains Zahir. “That’s why the folding process is key – if you rush through it, you’ll be disappointed by what turns out.”

In 2017, Zahir leased a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it venue on the slopes of Hong Kong’s trendy Soho neighborhood, putting his grandmother’s handed-down sourdough starter front and center on the menu. The restaurant quickly took root as a spot for decadent dishes that showcased the versatility of sourdough. From basil-infused Eggs Benedict on buttery sourdough toast to sourdough cinnamon buns smothered in cardamom cream-cheese icing, baked eggs with aged gruyere and chili nestled inside a sourdough brioche bun – Baked became a firm favorite among the city’s foodies.

Descended from a long line of bakers – six generations in total stretching all the way back to his ancestral homeland of Egypt – Zahir says the key to pulling off a perfect loaf is deceptively simple: all it takes is patience.

“Sourdough gets a bad rep for being difficult, but the truth is it’s quite easy to master,” he says. “At Baked, where I prepare all the sourdough goods, I’ll start a batch, do 10 folds of the dough, then leave it for a few hours while I go about my day. I’ll come back to it several times – I’m constantly on a 48-hour rotation with my bread.”

If you’re feeling inspired, try elevating your home baking with this beloved family recipe. Just be prepared for a sharp learning curve – sourdough can be a relatively complicated type of bread to make, but you’ll get the hang of it after a few tries.

We recommend enjoying fresh out of the oven, served on BOMSHBEE’s Tinge Clay dinnerware alongside a Posh Marble & Wood Serving Board or Eclipse Oval Serving Platter loaded with flavored butter, artisanal jams and cured meats. 

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The Recipe: Baked’s Spelt & Whole Wheat Sourdough
Yield: Makes 2 x 900g loaves.

INGREDIENTS:

Levain

• 60g mature liquid sourdough starter
• 35g stone ground whole wheat
• 35g stone ground spelt
• 35g stone ground bread flour
• 70g water (room temperature)

Dough

• 804g white bread flour
• 100g stone ground spelt
• 73g stone ground whole wheat
• 755g warm water (around 49℃/ 120℉)
• 18g fine sea salt
• 150g mature liquid levain

DIRECTIONS:

1. First, you’ll need to build a levain. A levain is an off-shoot of a sourdough starter that has been fed with big volumes of flour and water – it’s basically a larger version of your sourdough starter that can be adjusted for the recipe at hand without affecting the “mother” starter.

Build your levain in the morning, and store somewhere warm – around 30°C (86°F) – for 5-6 hours. Alternatively, make it in the evening and leave out overnight in a cooler temperature (25°C/77°F) and it should be ready in 10-12 hours.

2. Roughly 3.5 hours later, you’ll need to make an autolyze. This is a process that involves gently mixing flour and water together, then letting it rest. In a separate bowl, mix the white flour and water, reserving 50g of water. Ensure the dry flour is hydrated very well before covering. Store near the resting levain for around 90 minutes to ensure the dough remains warm.

3. Scoop out 150g of levain and mix with the autolyze, using about 30g of reserved water to help incorporate the two mixtures. Wait 30 minutes.

4. After a half hour, spread salt on top of the dough, using the remaining water to help it dissolve. If your dough is already quite wet, you don’t have to use any more water. Simply spread it out and mix well by hand, letting the existing hydration dissolve the salt. Salt slows the pace of fermentation, so leaving a 30-minute window beforehand gives your sourdough more time to activate.

5. After the salt is incorporated, fold the dough by hand for about 2-3 minutes in the bowl. Folds are done by grabbing under one side, and pulling up and over to the other side, then repeating by turning the bowl. Do this around 30 times. When you’re done, the dough should be a little smoother, and will start to hold itself together slightly more in the bowl.

6. Bulk fermentation is the first rise of your sourdough, when the dough ferments in a large, single mass. Transfer the dough to a tub or thick-walled bowl for bulk fermentation, leaving it to sit in 30°C/86°F ambient temperature for about four hours.

During the bulk fermentation period, perform six sets of folding and stretching: the first three at 15-minute intervals, and the last three at 30-minute intervals. Pick up one side of the dough with both hands and really pull it up, just before the point of tearing, then fold it over to the other side. Rotate your container and repeat 4-5 times. That is one set. After completing these folds (a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes) let the dough rest for another hour and 45 minutes.

7. It’s important to keep the dough as close to 30°C as possible (minor fluctuations up and down are fine). If the temperature drops, you might have to extend the duration of bulk fermentation to compensate, and vice versa.

8. At the end of bulk fermentation, your dough should look very gassy, with sporadic bubbles, and slightly domed edges where the dough meets the bowl. When the bowl is shaken the entire mass jiggles from side to side as though it’s alive! You’ll notice that compared to before bulk, the dough is smoother and holds its edges, folds, and creases more readily.

9. Divide the dough into two equal portions, each weighing roughly 900 grams. Let the dough rest for five minutes, before lightly shaping each mass into a round, using a large kitchen knife. Try to use your hands as little as possible at this stage. Cover each round with an inverted bowl or moist towel, then let rest for 20 minutes.

10. After 20 minutes, remove the towel or bowl, then let dough rest 5 more minutes exposed to air. This helps to dry the dough out slightly, so it’s not as sticky and easier to work with during shaping.

11. Lightly flour the top of your dough rounds and your work surface. With this recipe, use a little more flour on the surface than normal, the dough will be extremely sticky and wet. Flip each round and shape into a boule, batard, or your preference of shape.

12. After shaping, let dough rest for a few minutes before moving into a banneton (or a large bowl) that has been lightly dusted with all-purpose flour. Cover with plastic and leave for 20 minutes, before moving into the refrigerator for 15-16 hours.

13. The next day, remove from the fridge and score dough using a razor or very sharp knife.

14. Preheat the oven for 15 minutes at 250°C/482°F. Bake for 20 minutes at 240°C/464°F with steam (place a water-filled ramekin inside the oven), and an additional 20 minutes at 220°C/428°F, or until done to your liking.

15. Remove, let rest, then enjoy warm with butter or your choice of spread!

Paper lanterns hung with care, the scent of osmanthus in the air, mooncakes everywhere… Mid-Autumn Festival is upon us! Taking place on September 10 this year, the festival has long been one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. A time for family, joyful meals and celebrations, the festival brims  with meaning and unique traditions.

Historically, the Mid-Autumn Festival marked the end of the harvest period. Thousands of years ago, villagers would gather when the moon was at its fullest and brightest – on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar. They did this to collectively give thanks, spend time together and ask for peace, prosperity and fertility in the coming year.

Today, the tradition lives on. Many Chinese families use the festival as a sacred day to reconnect – a bit like Thanksgiving in American or Canadian cultures. It’s also a time to pay tribute to the moon. In Chinese culture, the full moon symbolizes togetherness while its round shape links to motherhood, life and rejuvenation.

Growing up in Hong Kong, mixologist and BOMSHBEE creative collaborator Shelley Tai says the holiday is close to her heart. “For as long as I can remember, my family has treated the Mid-Autumn Festival with a tremendous sense of importance,” she says.

When Tai was younger, her family hosted a highly anticipated soiree every year for their extended relatives and friends. “We did all the traditional activities for Mid-Autumn, from decorating the rooftop with colorful lanterns, spending hours together under the full moon, and of course, eating way too many mooncakes,” she remembers joyfully.

Mooncakes, a dense buttery Chinese pastry stuffed with a variety of decadent fillings, are virtually synonymous with the Mid-Autumn Festival – so much so that the holiday is nicknamed “Mooncake Festival”. That’s partly because mooncakes’ rich flavor makes them challenging to finish alone but perfect to share with friends and family.

Mooncakes are best enjoyed with a generous pour of another celebrated Mid-Autumn treat: osmanthus wine. Made with diluted baijiu – a traditional Chinese grain spirit – and sweet osmanthus flowers, osmanthus wine (also called cassia wine) is believed to promote longevity and is commonly offered during toasts.

“The scent of osmanthus is so evocative of the Mid-Autumn Festival,” says Tai. “Osmanthus wine has this uniquely delicate flavor that is mildly sweet with a lingering aroma – it’s pleasant to drink either alone or mix with something else.”

Tai says she occasionally reaches for the traditional liqueur behind the bar since its subtle, botanical properties add complexity and intrigue to cocktails. In celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Tai crafted this elegant osmanthus wine-inspired recipe. Try it for yourself while you toast to the future and gaze at the moon, surrounded by loved ones on September 10.

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The Recipe: Fly Me To the Moon (Osmanthus Shrub Cocktail)
The Glass: BOMSHBEE’s Eddy Glass Short

INGREDIENTS:

• 30ml gin
• 15ml osmanthus wine
• 20ml pomelo shrub*
• 15ml chrysanthemum syrup**
• 10ml lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix all ingredients in a shaker.
2. Add ice and shake until cold.
3. Pour into a BOMSHBEE EDDY Short Glass.
4. Garnish with osmanthus and enjoy!

***To make the pomelo shrub***

• 600g pomelo flesh
• 450g white vinegar
• 150g water
• 20g pomelo peel
• 600g sugar

Combine all ingredients in a glass jar. Mix well and let it infuse for 3-5 days.

***To make the chrysanthemum syrup***

• 20g chrysanthemum leaves
• 500g hot water
• 1:1 sugar syrup (equal parts sugar and water)

Brew chrysanthemum in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and mix in sugar syrup.

This Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrate the season of togetherness with BOMSHBEE’s carefully crafted minimalist tableware, serving platters and glassware. Happy Mid-Autumn!

It wasn’t long before they realized their experiments could be more than just a hobby. In 2018, Herren visited her native Switzerland to take a professional chocolatier program. When she returned to Hong Kong later that year, the pair launched Conspiracy Chocolate. This bean-to-bar chocolate brand prides itself on its sustainable ethos and surprising flavor combinations, such as raspberry with timut (a fruity Nepalese pepper), toasted rice and hojicha (a type of roasted Japanese green tea), and osmanthus and rose petals with pink peppercorns.

“We wanted to deconstruct the process and show that chocolate doesn’t have to be just a candy bar,” explains Herren. “Originally, chocolate was a bitter drink flavored with chillies and spices. During the Industrial Revolution, we made it into something quite sweet, adding ingredients like vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla, so that today’s commercial chocolate contains next to no cacao [raw, unprocessed cocoa] at all.”

Much like artisanal movements such as craft beer, natural wine, and sourdough bread-making, Herren says bean-to-bar is all about returning to raw materials. By stripping away the many layers of large-scale commercial processing and returning to traditional methods, consumers are left with a purer and, ultimately, healthier product.

“These days, people want to slow down and understand where their food is coming from,” says Herren. “Different regions have different tastes; there’s cacao that naturally tastes like passionfruit or bananas – our cacao is quite earthy and spicy, for instance. What bean-to-bar chocolate-makers try to do is bring this terroir back into the product.”

When it comes to sourcing their beans, Herren and Oz chose a small, family-run farm in the indigenous ethnic minority region of Dak Lak, in Vietnam. “We have a very strong relationship with the farmer, where we defer to them as the expert as we collaborate. From choosing which genetic material from the pods they grow with to how they dry and ferment – it’s a very different type of relationship.”

Their approach has resulted in high-quality chocolate, devout customers and an ever-growing product range. Over the last four years, the company has expanded to a much larger industrial-size kitchen – a far cry from their Sai Ying Pun stovetop – and introduced new ideas like chocolate liqueur, a cacao tea blend, or a collection of CBD and CBG (a newly isolated cannabinoid known as cannabigerol).

What’s next? Herren says the next big trend will be cacao-based drinks – for example, single-origin hot cocoa. Using cacao pod husk (usually a waste product), producers can make everything from cacao soda and kombucha to cacao beer. “I think cacao drinks will get more trendy as people search for new things to drink and discover.”

Curious about cacao-based bevvies? Here is a recipe from Conspiracy Chocolate to get you started:

Ultimate Hot Cocoa
Who doesn’t want to level up their hot cocoa? This mouthwatering, aromatic recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

• Bring 1¼ cup of nut or dairy milk to simmer in a saucepan.
• In a mug, add one heaping tablespoon of single-origin or premium chocolate shavings with just a splash of warm milk to help it dissolve.
• Mix well with a spoon to create a thick, chocolatey paste.
• Add the rest of the warm milk and stir well.
• Add spices like cinnamon, allspice, vanilla or cloves to infuse and give a nice gentle flavor, or try a pinch of chilli or sea salt on the top for an extra kick.

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Additional recipes to try…

Cacao Tea
Add depth and complexity to your mid-afternoon tea for a delicious pick-me-up.

• First, get your hands on some cacao husks (Conspiracy Chocolate sells them, but you can also order them online.)
• Bring 1¼ cup water to boil with a tablespoon of cacao husks.
• Add any herbs or other tea blends you might like – cinnamon, verbena, or orange slices all go down a treat.
• Let infuse for a few minutes before straining and serving.

Cacao Soda
Bring on the bubbles with this zesty summer cooler, which is a testament to the versatility of cacao. 

• Melt a teaspoon of sugar with ½ cup of water, then add 1 tablespoon of cacao husks.
• Let the syrup darken a bit before turning off the heat and letting the mixture cool.
• In a glass, add ice cubes, soda water and the desired amount of cacao syrup.
• For something special, add a squeeze of orange before enjoying!

We’ve partnered with The Social Sipper once again. This time around, to get your tiki on with the Painkiller Cocktail! It’s tropical and super tasty for the warmer days ahead. Mixed up with dark rum, fresh orange juice, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut for a creamsicle-tasting cocktail.

Recipe and ideas by @thesocialsipper.

What’s a Painkiller Cocktail?
The Painkiller Cocktail dates back to the 1970’s, specifically in the British Virgin Islands where the cocktail was first created. It’s very similar to a Piña Colada, so if you enjoy tropical-tasting libations, you will love Carolyn’s take on the Painkiller Cocktail.

Although this mixed drink may give you the false sense that it helps with hangovers, it’s categorized as a “hair of the dog” because it includes really tasty, easy-to-sip on flavors and ingredients, making you feel better in the short-term. Always enjoy responsibly!

How to Elevate Your Tiki Cocktail with BOMSHBEE?
Says Carolyn, “Using unique glassware is such a simple way to take your cocktails to the next level. And the Painkiller Cocktail needed a glass that was just as much of a ‘wow factor’ as the recipe.” For this tasty recipe, Carolyn used the Chandelier Eidos from BOMSHBEE to complete this cocktail.

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The Recipe: The Pain Killer Cocktail
The Glass: BOMSHBEE’s Chandelier Eidos

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INGREDIENTS:

• 2 OZ Dark Rum: For this recipe, Carolyn used Plantation Rum but she also recommend using dark rums such as Cruzan Aged Rum or Flor de Caña 12 Year Old Rum. These are easy to mix with and nice to sip on too. Click here for other recommendations on dark rum!
• 3 OZ Pineapple Juice: Make sure to use 100% pineapple juice for a perfectly sweetened taste. Carolyn used Dole Pineapple Juice, but you can feel free to juice your own pineapple.
• 1 OZ Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice: Fresh squeezed orange juice is the key to making this tropical, tasting-cocktail. Of course, you can always substitute it for store-bought OJ, but Carolyn recommend using a juicer like this one or this one and some fresh oranges for the freshest taste.
• 1 OZ Cream of Coconut: Create the creaminess in this cocktail with Cream of Coconut. Make sure to shake this up really before using.
• Fresh Ground Nutmeg: A pinch of fresh ground nutmeg really balances and brings out the creamy and tropical flavors in this drink.
• Pineapple and Orange Slices, for Garnish: if you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish this cocktail with a pineapple wedge and an orange slice for a complete tiki-inspired look.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake until the cocktail mixture is chilled and frothy.
2. Fill your BOMSHBEE cocktail glass with crushed ice. Strain cocktail mixture into glass. Sprinkle with fresh ground nutmeg, If desired, garnish with an orange slice, pineapple slice and pineapple fronds.

Photos and Recipe Credit: The Social Sipper

Roughly translating to “living flowers,” ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, may have popped up on your Instagram feed in recent years. Although it’s an ancient art form, the practice has recently seen a modern resurgence thanks to its eye-catching sculptural qualities and wellness benefits.

But the art form is far from new. In the 6th century, Chinese Buddhist missionaries in Japan introduced ikebana as a form of floral offering designed to represent the harmony between heaven, humans and earth. Over time, the concept expanded into a diverse medium with anywhere from 300 to 1,500 schools, depending on who you ask. Generally speaking, the art form calls for carefully curated greenery, blooms and twigs to convey an emotion or a message – much like a painting.  

Ikebana’s minimalist beauty has captivated practitioners from all over the world, including Ekaterina Seehaus. Born in Russia and based in Belgium for the last 27 years, she has been honing her skills as an ikebanist for over a decade. Ekaterina first stumbled across the practice via a workshop in Brussels, then studied ikebana extensively and eventually qualified as an instructor.

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When it comes to the art form, Ekaterina says Japanese floral art exudes a “less is more” approach and is more akin to a living sculpture than a garden-variety bouquet of blooms. In ikebana, what you cannot see matters just as much as what you can. “I always think of this idea that ‘perfection is achieved not when there is nothing to add, but there is nothing to remove’,” says Ekaterina, quoting the famous French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Indeed, the power of ikebana lies in simplicity and precision. Practitioners thoughtfully select blooms and twigs to strike a perfect balance between shapes, colors, and textures. Adopting a “zen” state of mind is essential to practicing ikebana effectively, explains Ekaterina. A clear mind will encourage greater creativity and enable practitioners to benefit from the meditative practice. 

“The key is that the outside world ceases to exist,” says Ekaterina, a working mom who held a high-powered corporate role before teaching the practice online full-time. “Ikebana always keeps you on the edge of your ability, and you have to concentrate deeply. It’s a bit like yoga or meditation, but at the end, you have flowers to take home – which is a lovely bonus!”

Ekaterina practices the Sogetsu style, a relatively new school that takes a slightly more liberal approach than other ikebana schools, emphasising innovation, found objects, and creativity. Some of Ekaterina’s floral displays contain just one flower and a branch bent at an interesting angle. Others showcase several seasonal blooms that feel light, harmonious, and imbued with a sense of movement. Make sure “the wind can go through, the sun can go through” the arrangement, she advises her students.

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“You don’t need much to get started – something as simple as a nice twig or branch – so it’s very accessible. Today, I teach students in 27 countries worldwide, and I’m convinced that online teaching is how ikebana [which has historically been taught in person] will be passed on and survive with future generations.”

Whether it’s a centerpiece for your next dinner party or an eye-catching objet d’art for a coffee table, you can easily introduce ikebana into your home and enjoy the meditative, creative experience in the process. Ekaterina shares a few pointers to get you started:

Quality over quantity
Just because you may not have a greenhouse full of fresh blooms doesn’t mean you can’t immerse yourself in the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Ikebana is all about curation and letting nature’s quiet, inner beauty shine through. Something as simple as a flower, branch, leaf, or bunch of berries is enough to start your first masterpiece, says Ekaterina.

Design for harmony
A fundamental principle of ikebana is to consider your environment: How will your display serve the space around it? For instance, when dealing with a narrow foyer, strive for vertical lines and shapes that feel at peace in the compact setting rather than battling the dimensions.

Focus on the process
Ikebana is, above all, a mindfulness practice. Rather than focusing on the results, Ekaterina recommends embarking on each arrangement with thoughtful curiosity. Take the opportunity to notice yourself, your instincts, your materials. Even if your ikebana arrangement isn’t “technically” perfect, you’ve effectively mastered one of the most challenging – and beneficial – aspects of the art by taking the time to tune in with yourself.

“I didn’t envision myself being able to stay in it for much longer — certainly not the rest of my life,” Ho says. “I came back to ceramics as a way to work through that confusing period and realized how much I’d missed being soaked in clay, not needing to think about anything else. I became entirely hooked and started to rethink my whole life plan.”

Today, the recent Masters of Arts graduate of the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design sees herself as part of a new wave of ceramic artists. At the illustrious London art school (which counts visionaries like fashion designers Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Turner-prize winning sculptor Richard Long as alumni), Ho honed her craft from after-work hobby to fine art.

“I didn’t have an art degree or any background in the art world whatsoever. But thankfully, I think they saw my passion and my vision for where I wanted to go with my creative journey,” says the 27-year-old.

Ho debuted her first collection — “Yarn_”, a series of experimental vases inspired by constantly evolving cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai and London — at Central Saint Martins last year. To craft the pieces, Ho bound the clay vases in yarn while they were still soft, causing them to bend and deform into asymmetrical silhouettes – imperfect, distinct, and one-of-a-kind. Ho says she also viewed the project as a metaphor for her own journey of self-discovery as an artist.

“The story that I wanted to tell is about trusting the process,” explains Ho. “Over a lifetime, we’re all shaped by influences – whether it’s parents, siblings, mentors, or teachers. It’s a constant pushing and pulling of forces that give us our different textures and define how the world sees us. But it’s beautiful by the end.”

Even though each vase started identical, the finished pieces showcase unique details and irregularities. These idiosyncrasies add another layer of meaning for the artist, who sought to integrate themes of connection and relationships by physically connecting the vases with a single thread of vibrant red yarn.

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“My core message is about reconnecting with one another. There’s a saying in Chinese that we have to think of what brought us to now,” says Ho. “So we have to look back and be thankful to those people and those events that have led us to our present.”

Today, Ho splits her time between her Hong Kong studio and her home in London, where she partners with several contemporary art galleries. When it comes to starting a ceramic collection of one’s own, she suggests starting small and selecting pieces that not only hold meaning but also bring you joy.

“I love to hand-pick items with a good story and strong style,” says Ho. “You want pieces that will continue to grow on you over time, like a member of the family.”

For Valentine’s Day, we have partnered with The Social Sipper to bring you her take on the perfect cocktail to celebrate the season of love.

Says Carolyn Pascual White, “whether you’re enjoying the special day with a loved one or getting the gals together to watch romantic comedies, the Raspberry Champagne Float is the perfect cocktail to sip on for the occasion! Plus, it combines a cocktail with dessert giving you the best of both worlds.”

Don’t forget to pair this gorgeous and delicious cocktail with our Chandelier Glasses!

What’s a Champagne Float?
A champagne float is a fun and boozy treat that’s a cross between a dessert and a cocktail. Usually comprised of just a few ingredients making this fun treat deliciously simple! There are many different ways to make your own champagne float and you can even use vanilla ice cream if you desire. If there’s one thing that’s certain, make sure you enjoy these icy treats quickly!

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The Recipe: Raspberry Champagne Float by The Social Sipper
The Glass: BOMSHBEE’s Chandelier Kalos

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Just three ingredients for this fantastically fresh treat? Sign me up! Find out what The Social Sipper used to make the Raspberry Champagne Float and if there’s any additional substitutes you can exchange..

INGREDIENTS:

•  3 Scoops Raspberry Sorbet: Refreshing and light, sorbet is such a fun element to this cocktail. Pick up your favorite brand like Häagen-Dazs or Talenti from your local grocery store.
•  6 OZ Champagne: Pair the sorbet with something bubbly. Carolyn used champagne but feel free to substitute this for Prosecco.
•  3 Drops Rose water: A few drops of fresh rose water can really enhance the flavors from the champagne. Carolyn used Cortas Rose Water.
• Raspberries and Dried Rosebuds: Garnish this gorgeous cocktail with some festive ingredients like fresh raspberries and dried rosebuds. You can order edible dried rose petals online or from your local supermarket.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add raspberry sorbet to a large glass.
2. Pour champagne over the sorbet. Drop rosewater onto the champagne.
3. Top with raspberries and dried rosebuds and enjoy immediately.

Photos and Recipe Credit: The Social Sipper

Gong hei fat choy! It’s Lunar New Year, which means it’s time for a week full of festive celebrations. From firecrackers to lion dances, red packets stuffed with money and copious dumplings, Lunar New Year is a time to drum up all the age-old traditions and welcome a few new ones, too.

But the best part of the Spring Festival isn’t the treats or spectacles. It’s the chance to get together with loved ones over a decadent spread of delicious and auspicious dishes. After all, the new year is all about family, friends and food.

Planning to host a dinner party to welcome the Year of The Tiger? Hit the ground running with this quick, easy guide to setting the perfect LNY tablescape, plus a few insights on symbolic decor and traditional dishes.

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Set The Tone 

Create a clean, soft base that sets a rejuvenating holiday mood and lets your accents shine. We love a timeless yet simple base of gold, natural linen or beige, which lends well to brighter accents. Once you have the foundation, start adding on those celebratory motifs and festive layers. Perhaps start with a bold burgundy table runner and gold-embroidered placemats, then add a few energizing details like decorative chopsticks, candles, red packets – more on that below!

Seeing Red

Symbolizing good fortune and joy, red is undoubtedly the signature shade of Lunar New Year. Naturally, any authentic Lunar New Year spread should feature a mix of crimson, burgundy or cherry hues, but we would recommend using the vibrant color as an accent, not the base. For a stylish and sophisticated table spread, start with neutral plates and bowls, like BOMSHBEE’s Tinge Porcelain Collection, then integrate red elements to channel LNY vibes. Tasteful garnet chargers, burgundy candles or scarlet-tipped chopsticks will add a touch of lucky new year energy without overwhelming the room.

Simple, Yet Symbolic

It’s tempting to go big when it comes to holiday table decor, but less is definitely more. Keep it simple while infusing extra meaning with a few tasteful symbolic accents. For example, your centerpiece could feature a few mandarins, oranges, kumquats, or pomelos – all believed to bring good luck and happiness – in a BOMSHBEE Tinge Porcelain Bowl. Meanwhile, flowers like cherry blossoms symbolize new beginnings and fluffy white pussy willow branches represent prosperity. In terms of placement, make sure you keep any centerpieces below eye level or spaced out so that guests can still easily make eye contact while talking.

Taste Of Tradition

Any Lunar New Year dinner table wouldn’t be complete without customary dishes traditionally served every year. These include steamed fish, golden-fried spring rolls, steamed dumplings, springy longevity noodles, and Chinese New Year cake (nian gao in Mandarin or leen goh in Cantonese), a glutinous rice cake that’s believed to bring prosperity in the new year. Try your hand at these dishes for a beautiful, meaningful Lunar New Year dinner to remember.

Lucky No. 8

In Chinese culture, the number eight is associated with wealth and prosperity. To share a little extra  luck and fortune with your guests as we race into the Year of the Tiger, keep this number in mind when setting the table. Maybe you invite eight guests, serve eight dishes or set out eight candles for decoration – this tiny detail holds a lot of meaning. Pro tip: the number four is bad luck, so try to avoid this number if you can!

Chopsticks 101

Quality chopsticks are a must for a proper Lunar New Year feast – and BOMSHBEE’s black matte Chop chopsticks are as cool as they come. Just make sure you’ve brushed up on your chopstick etiquette ahead of time. When you’re setting the table, chopsticks should always go at the top of the plate with tips pointing to the left or the right with tips pointing upwards. Never leave your chopsticks sticking upright in your food (it’s believed to bring bad luck, as it relates to incense sticks at funerals) and use a different pair of chopsticks to serve food from sharing platters. 

For Nai Zhao, cheese is synonymous with self-care. “A nice spread of meat and cheese was always my way of treating myself,” she laughs.

As the founder of Portland-based charcuterie delivery service, Charcuterie Me, Zhao is no novice when it comes to the wonderful world of cheese. Every month, she curates crowd-pleasing assortments of cured meats, gourmet cheeses and artisanal accoutrements for her wildly popular monthly subscription boxes.

“I enjoy creating a journey of discovery for our customers,” says the 33-year-old entrepreneur. “Each box comes with a list of ingredients so you can make a mental note when you like something. I source locally when I can, and have been able to work with some amazing producers here in Oregon, including a winery, a CBD chef and a chilli oil company.”

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Zhao started Charcuterie Me in 2020. She was inspired by childhood gatherings when her family would share stories around the dining room table, laughing while enjoying a delicious meal.

“My parents immigrated to the US in the ‘80s from their home in war-torn Laos,” she explains. “Both of my parents have a high school education. I like to think my dad taught me how to dream, and my mom taught me how to hustle.”

Zhao’s parents are both from an ethnic minority group called lu-Mien, who were displaced across Southeast Asia as a result of the Vietnam War. As a first-generation lu-Mien refugee, Zhao says that she looks back on her American upbringing as a privilege, and a big reason why she remains driven today when it comes to building her business, and her future.

“What inspires me is building something on my own,” she says. “I didn’t have someone to look up to who looked like me when I was young, so I definitely want to be a positive example.”

Zhao runs the show when it comes to Charcuterie Me, from branding and social media to backend web design. Having launched her business in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, she’s had to adapt to the era of social distancing – a challenge when it comes to food that’s meant to be shared.

To solve that problem, Zhao created the “Selfie” – a handheld cheese and charcuterie cone designed to be enjoyed solo. It’s a simple throwback to her earliest days of indulging in food at home. “When I first fell in love with charcuterie it was a way for me to treat myself. I still love to mix up my plates with new cheeses and old favorites.”

When it comes to adventurous pairings, Zhao is all about fusion, introducing classic Old World fromage with invigorating Asian flavors. “Spread a creamy brie on a cracker, and top it with a dollop of chilli garlic oil. It is so good!”

Looking for new cheeses to explore this holiday season? Try one (or all) of Zhao’s go-to cheeses:

1. Artigiano Vino Rosso

From Italian cheesemaker, La Bottega di BelGioioso, a traditional family business that has been producing for over five generations, Zhao says this artisanal handcrafted cheese is a new favorite.

“It has a surprisingly nutty flavor, but its texture is creamy and crumbly,” she says. “And it’s soaked in red wine, so the rind has a really robust and hearty taste, too.”

2. Triple-cream Camembert

When it comes to her all-time favorite cheese, Zhao always reaches for a classic: triple-cream camembert. Made of 75% butterfat, this cheese has an uber-soft texture with a rich, earthy flavor.

“It’s my favorite spreadable cheese to include in my charcuterie boards and pairs so well with a salty cured meat like prosciutto,” she adds.

When it comes to sharing, Zhao recommends keeping it simple and keeping a surefire crowd-pleasers, like camembert or, alternatively brie, on hand. “While they’re similar, camembert has a deeper, more intense flavor that I think resonates better with people.”

3. Manchego

Made with the milk of Manchega sheep, this Spanish cheese delivers a deep caramel flavor, offset with a bit of acidity. “This one is so good on its own or on a cheeseboard,” says Zhao. “I personally prefer a four-month aged manchego, if you can find it.”