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PANguin

Winter · from 20 Jan

Major Cold

大寒

Warm and nourish, prepare for Spring.

Next: Start of Spring on 4 Feb — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Walnut cookies
Major Cold · Tea break · Yang Deficiency

Walnut cookies

Crumbly, crisp walnut cookies, a New Year classic — walnuts are warming, best with hot tea.

  • 38 min
  • Serves 4
  • Bake
  • Medium
WarmingWarms kidney yangBoosts qi

Why it suits you: Yang-deficient people feel the cold most at Major Cold. Walnuts warm kidney yang, and a homemade cookie with hot tea warms you through.

Method

Prep 20 min · Cook 18 min
  1. 1Toast the walnuts; chop half and keep half for the tops.
  2. 2Beat the lard and sugar, then mix in the egg.
  3. 3Sift in the flour and raising agents, add the chopped walnuts and bring together.
  4. 4Roll into balls, flatten, top with walnut and bake at 180°C for 18 minutes.

Cautions

  • Rich in fat and sugar — one or two at a time; avoid with a nut allergy.

Chef's tips

  • Lard gives the crumbliest texture.

The TCM view

Walnuts are sweet and warm, warming kidney yang; flour nourishes qi; egg nourishes.

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Seasonal principle

The last term of the year. Protect against extreme cold while preparing the body for the coming Spring. Transition from heavy, greasy tonics to more balanced, gentle nourishment. Start incorporating slightly pungent foods to help the body's energy begin its upward movement for spring.

In season now

In season around Major Cold: Chicken, Yam, Dates, Goji Berries, Black Fungus

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Yang Deficiency

Feels the cold, with cold hands and feet

Enjoy: Fresh ginger · Lamb · Chinese chives · Walnuts and chestnuts · Longan

Go easy: Iced drinks · Cooling foods like watermelon and bitter melon · Too much green tea or herbal "cooling" tea

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Based on traditional Chinese medicine for general wellness education — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, are severe or unusual, please see a doctor or registered Chinese medicine practitioner.