Food Trivia Question from the Oriental Oasis Newsletter
TRIVIA QUESTION: While people enjoy me for dessert all year long, I am traditionally associated with the Lantern Festival marking the end of the Chinese New Years. According to legend, my name is taken from a palace maid who served Emperor Wu Di of the Han Dynasty. I can savory or sweet, and my round shape symbolizes family togetherness. What am I?
TRIVIA ANSWER: YuanXiao. These round dumplings are made with glutinous rice flour. Some of the ingredients that may be used as fillings include white or brown sugar, sesame seeds, walnuts, tangerine peel, and bean paste. The savory variety will be filled with a combination of meat - such as pork or chicken - and vegetables.
Recipe:
YuanXiao
"Lantern Festival" - An interesting article covering the celebrations in China, with photographs, from About's Chinese Culture site.
