Since the time I was born, I always remember this one singular item my family has used to bring us together. It was a “hot pot” also known as the “fire pot" that holds my family together. During special events like the Chinese New Year, we will gather around the hot pot to cook different dishes. It is a big metal pot that is placed in the center of the table and filled with a variety of ingredients. My parents will have the main ingredients on the side, the broth, the raw meat, the raw seafood and the raw vegetables. Once everyone is gathered around the “fire pot” my dad will begin to make the broth and put the meat in first because it takes longer to cook. Then, he will put the vegetables and seafood in. While the food is cooking, the kids will gather on one side of the table and talk to each other, while the adults talk on the other side. Once the food is ready my dad will begin handing out the bowl to the kids and pouring the kid the main ingredients that they would like. While the adults choose what they like from the hot pot. We will keep eating until we are all full. The room will be filled with laughter and joy for once again we get a glimpse of what it would have been like to be together with our relatives in China.

– Anthony zhang

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant