Source: Houston Chronicle
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/4544690.html
The spread at Chung Mei Buddhist Temple in Stafford is bounteous and beautiful. Arrayed in the dining room are 10 traditional Chinese New Year's dishes, each with a lovely name (Infinity Pearl, Lotus Gathering) and even lovelier symbolism (the purity and wisdom of Buddha).
At my request, this resplendent feast was prepared before the dawning of the Year of the Pig, which begins Saturday at midnight.
"So this is what you'll be eating on New Year's Eve?" I ask the nuns.
Yes and no, which turns out to be the answer to many other questions, as well.
"You may (also) see us baking lasagne or serving spaghetti," says the Rev. Miao Hong, who has a shaved head and wears chocolate-brown robes.
Really?