KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 6 -- In less than a week, the Year of the Metal Ox will be upon us. Some may hope that the hardworking and patient bovine will ensure the coming 12 months to be rewarding, that we shall reap handsomely what we have diligently sown.

But whatever the forecast, there's nothing like a bit of extra perk-me-up to sweeten the deal.

On this note, we look forward to a surfeit of mandarin oranges, ever a ubiquitous part of every Chinese New Year. They symbolise good fortune, after all, as their name in Cantonese - kam - sounds similar to the word for gold.

Or in other words: wealth.

So it is an auspicious citrus that beckons prosperity to come our way. Which is why it makes sense to conjure up some dishes that make use of thi...