KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 20 -- We are a week into the Year of the Metal Ox and thus far, it has been a bountiful year. A bounty of mandarin oranges, that is.

For some of us who are spending Chinese New Year home alone - socially distancing, reunion meals via Zoom and keeping our loved ones safe - it can be quite a challenge to tackle all the festive treats in the house.

Pineapple tarts are usually the first to go, their buttery and crumbly pastry shells melting away in our mouths to reveal their saccharine and jammy hearts. Stacks of bakkwa disappear swiftly too, and before you know it, you've devoured the final slice.

Anyone who deigns to toss yeesang by themselves (or perhaps with loved ones, via synchronised FaceTime lohsang sessions) wou...