From an early age, we find ourselves attracted to particular foods. Some foods might calm us, while others charge us up. Have you ever wondered why?

Perhaps the Chinese zodiac can offer some insights, as well as menu suggestions. Or it might just be a fun mealtime diversion.

In honor of the Chinese New Year, which begins on Wednesday, celebrated cookbook author and Asian culture expert Ying Chang Compestine has created 12 unique recipes.

Each dish is designed to complement the personality of one of the animals associated with Chinese astrology and, specifically, the Chinese zodiac - rat, ox, rabbit, tiger, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. This year is the year of the rooster.

The fusion-style recipes feature authentic seasonings and sauces now available in most supermarkets.

According to Chinese astrology, a person's life is heavily influenced not only by their birth month, but also by the year, day and hour of birth. Each of these factors contributes to understanding an individual's personality, as well as affinities, such as natural elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), tastes, colors, and more.

In addition, the influence of yin and yang, or balance, plays an important role in each astrological sign.

"There's no question that food offers an individual experience," said Compestine. "Pairing types of food with a person's tendencies or personality makes a lot of sense and was the catalyst for creating these unique recipes."

Following are just a few of the tantalizing dishes:

Zodiac Sign:RoosterInfluenced by the cool westerly setting sun and the chilly autumn air, people associated with the Rooster sign tend to be relaxed, outgoing and charming. This zesty recipe balances rooster's yin (cool) with lots of heat.½ cup unsweetened coconut milk (light)½ cup soy milk2 tablespoons Asian seasoning sauce1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce1 pound ground pork or beef (lean)1 packet (1.05 ounces) Thai chicken curry seasoning½ cup chopped green onions¼ cup chopped water chestnuts2 tablespoons cornstarch4½ teaspoons sesame oil1 tablespoon peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger root1 tablespoon all purpose flour2 tablespoons cooking oil¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves (or Thai basil leaves)1 tablespoon grated lemon peel1 package cooked rice (or noodles)Combine coconut milk, soy milk, seasoning sauce and sweet chili sauce in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate.Place pork, seasoning blend, green onions, water chestnuts, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger and flour in large mixing bowl. Knead by hand until ingredients are thoroughly combined and mixture becomes sticky.Divide mixture into 10 equal portions, about ¼ cup each. Roll each portion into a ball. Set balls on an oiled plate.Heat cooking oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, swirling to coat sides. Add meatballs and pan-fry, turning occasionally, for about eight to 10 minutes or until browned on all sides. Drain on paper towel.Heat coconut mixture over medium-high heat to boiling in saucepan. Add meatballs; cover. Reduce heat; cook for eight minutes.Garnish with basil and lemon peel. Serve hot over noodles or rice.Makes 10 servings.

Zodiac Sign:DogWhen the animal signs were being selected, the Jade Emperor held a race. The dog and the rooster were running even, then at a critical moment the rooster cheated and flew ahead of the dog, gaining tenth place in the Chinese zodiac. To this day, the dog has not forgiven the rooster, and continues to chase him. With this dish, the dog gets a little revenge! So all those born in the sign of the dog, stop running and enjoy this delicious meal.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, precut for stir-frying1 packet (1.94 oz.) Satay chicken seasoning2 tablespoons canola oil1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh orange peel4 whole dried chili peppers1 cup leeks, thinly sliced lengthwise (white part only)½ cup thinly sliced carrot½ cup thinly sliced celery2 tablespoons cooking soy sauce3 tablespoons roasted peanutsCombine chicken and seasoning blend in medium bowl; toss to coat. Let stand for five minutes.Heat oil in large, nonstick wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add orange peel and chili peppers; cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.Add chicken to wok. Cook, stirring constantly, for three minutes or until browned and no longer pink in center.Add leek,carrot and celery; cook, stirring frequently, for one minute or until vegetables are crisp-tender.Stir in soy sauce. Transfer to serving dish. Garnish with peanuts. Serve hot.Makes four servings.

Zodiac Sign:OxPeople born in the sign of the ox are known to be hardworking but reluctant to try new things. With fresh, juicy pineapple that complements the ox's affinity for yellow, this deliciously different dish is sure to persuade the ox to try something new, while gaining enough strength to accomplish important tasks.1 pound beef flank steak1 packet. (1.05 oz.) Thai chicken curry seasoning¼ cup fresh orange juice1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil6 (8-inch) soft taco-size flour tortillas, warmed1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks or 2 medium golden delicious apples, peeled, cored and cut into strips1 small cucumber, peeled and cut into strips (about 1½ cups)Spicy Thai sauce (recipe follows)Trim any fat or gristle off the steak. Cut steak across grain into 1-inch-wide slices.Mix curry seasoning, orange juice and oil in medium bowl. Add steak to marinade; mix well. Cover; refrigerate for at least one hour.Preheat broiler. Broil steak on broiler pan for about seven minutes or until desired doneness. Let stand for five minutes. Cut into bite-size pieces. Discard marinade.Spoon about 3 tablespoons steak mixture into each warm tortilla. Top with 1½ tablespoons each of pineapple and cucumber and about 2 teaspoons Spicy Thai Sauce.Roll up tortillas and eat with your fingers. Serve with additional sauce if desired.Makes six servings.

½ cup reduced-fat creamy peanut butter¼ cup reduced-fat unsweetened coconut milk3 tablespoons plain soy milk1 tablespoon fresh lime juice1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce5 sprigs fresh cilantro1 tablespoon fish sauce, or to tastePlace peanut butter, coconut milk, soy milk, lime juice, sweet chili sauce, cilantro and fish sauce in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.Makes about 1¼ cups

Zodiac Sign:SnakePeople born in the year of the snake are courageous and determined, as well as humorous and romantic. Such a powerful combination fuels the snake's seductive nature. Fire, which brings out the full flavor of this dish, is sure to spark love interest for the snake.1 packet (1.05 oz.) Thai chicken curry seasoning3 tablespoons coconut milk1 tablespoon rice vinegar4 (about 2 pounds) ¾-inch-thick salmon steaks or fillets1 cup mango-ginger salsa (recipe follows)Mix curry seasoning, coconut milk and vinegar in medium bowl. Add salmon to marinade; mix well. Cover; refrigerate for at least one hour.Preheat grill. Oil grill rack. Grill salmon over medium-high heat, turning once, for five to 10 minutes on each side until salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.Serve with mango-ginger salsa.Makes four servings.

1 ripe large mango, peeled, pitted and diced into ¼-inch cubes1 small red onion, finely chopped¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger1 teaspoon Asian seasoning sauceCombine mango, onion, basil, lemon juice, chili garlic sauce, ginger and seasoning sauce in medium bowl. Cover; refrigerate for up to two days.Makes about 2 cups