On Chinese New Year, many families prepare a tray of prosperity. This is a special six-sided platter that has sections filled with dried fruits such as candied melon, candied coconut, red melon seeds, pumpkin seeds and lotus seeds.
![Prosperity1.jpg](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mUItSKflfZ2sVg-X_zU_Gr70zDzzPbbj1ubKVTQzi5MWJ_9soJzR9jpLusklNokpkft3lETKVbEF8X5iU7VpITS7D-lgD4PKOCH9X_Sw2UAsDV8zVcnpIYC5-pBTQij2JhVdLo2d)
These foods, as well as the colors red and gold, symbolize riches, longevity, and the blessing of more children. But many times I find these foods extremely processed with sugar, the seeds too hard for kids to crack open, and they can be a choking hazard. So, I like to replace the traditional foods with other items that are just as colorful and fun for kids to celebrate the new year.
![Prosperity3.jpg](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ng5Hclbwg64lna1wxw-Mzf9TIBuVM016xKjR8jcD5CAcg6KiNYeQVopJuODpu5Tn0VbjyKRuF1rF4e9a4HynlNJA_DMekqS2FcKqjJMJ-25_rOvsTZrdUa8IVg_O9uegY5O5rM0g)
In my family these are some of the alternatives:
- To replace the dried candied fruits we use raisins, dried cranberries or cherries, dried mangoes or mango gummies.
- To replace the seeds or nuts we use pistachios, cashews, trail mix, or Japanese rice crackers.
- To add some more festive colors with items that are red and gold I use red lucky candy (found in most Asian markets) and chocolate gold coins.
This is truly a tray that the whole family can enjoy and can still bring in prosperity and riches in the New Year.