Foodie Friday: Eight Treasure Dessert

Eight treasure dessert: sticky rice decorated with 8 toppings I admit it. This is a really pretty dish! I usually think of sticky rice as part of the main course, but I've found it in a dessert now. The eight "treasures" are different fruits and nuts that go on top of the rice. Often, they serve some sort of symbolism (e.g. lotus seeds bring happy marriages). Inside the dessert is a sweet surprise of red bean paste. Although I'm not a huge fan of red bean desserts, this does have a nice … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice: sweet dessert made with fresh fruit and coconut-flavored rice This is generally a seasonal dish, when mangoes are freely available. It's definitely a dessert, since it's got sweetened rice and ripe mangoes. It's a nice combo because you've got the soft chewiness of the sticky rice paired with juicy fruit. I also like the coconut flavoring of the milk, which gives it a tropical taste. Here's a recipe to make mango sticky rice at home. Fun fact: In Malaysia, they have a … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Fan Tuan

Fan tuan: sticky rice roll It's a Chinese breakfast burrito! Glutinous rice is wrapped around different fillings. Common insides include you zha gui, shredded pork, and pickled vegetables. These rice rolls are great for breakfast on the go because they usually end up pre-wrapped from the preparation process (think: sushi). I love the way the gooeyness of the outside rice pairs with the crunch of vegetables and the Chinese doughnut. What a great way to start the day! Any breakfast treat … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Sticky Rice

Sticky rice: sweet glutinous rice steamed in a lotus leaf (typical fillings include mushrooms and Chinese sausage, but you can tailor it to your taste) I love how this food is sheltered in a leaf; its steaming goodness assaults you when you open it. It's like unwrapping a culinary present every time. It also reminds me of the holidays because on Thanksgiving, we use sticky rice to stuff our turkey. It's a great blend of American and Eastern traditions. Nowadays, though, my local dim sum … [Read more...]