Wish I Knew More

February 21, 2021 - Tang Yuan and Tong Sui

Have you ever entered a shop and was fascinated by the array of items on display and wished that you knew more about each of them? That's how I felt when I stumbled upon a traditional Chinese apothecary shop selling all sorts of dried ingredients from marine life (eg. abalone, sea cucumber, scallops) to plants and roots (eg. Ginseng, dates, mushroom); all holding nutritional values that I only have a vague idea about.  I thought my late mother-in-law would know her way around this and I wished I had learned more from her.  

But what I did learn from her was how to make the Lunar New Year Tong Sui (Sweet Brew). This brew is a play on texture with the soft longan flesh, nutty lotus seed, chewy snow fungus and spongy jujube, unified by a clear, simple and lightly sweetened fluid.  According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, these ingredients reduce inflammation, strengthen immunity and slows the aging process (I like the sound of that!).  If you have not tried a Chinese Tong Sui  before, here's your chance.  The brew can be served warm or chilled, both equally good.

With the end of Lunar New Year celebration (February 26), it is a tradition to have Tang Yuan (Sweet Rice Balls).  The roundness and smoothness of Tang Yuan symbolizes harmony and unity. I will be making fresh black sesame filled Tang Yuan where each bite is soft and chewy with decadent lava-like filling. It is normally served on its own but I like mine contrasted against a medley of soft sweet potatoes for color and texture.  Served warm in fragrant osmanthus pandan ginger syrup soup, this is will set your Year of the Ox to an auspicious start.  

Pair either or both of the sweet concoction with Pandan Chiffon Cake for a perfect afternoon or after meal treat. 

Please click on this link to order. 

Thank you!
--eilien

INGREDIENTS
As always, fresh organic ingredients are used where available and no artificial coloring

Lunar New Year Tong Sui  DF, GF, NF 
Dried Longan, Jujube (Chinese red date), Snow Fungus, Lotus Seed, Rock Sugar

To serve warm, reheat in microwave or stove top to desired temperature.  To serve cold, use ice cubes or chill in refrigerator.  Consume within two days, store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Tang Yuan Sweet Potato Soup GF, NF 
Glutinous Rice Flour, Black Sesame, Butter, Sweet Potato / Yam, Ginger, Pandan, Rock Sugar, Osmanthus

Meant for same day consumption.  Reheat in microwave or stove top for a few minutes to desired temperature.

Pandan Chiffon Cake NF
Egg, All Purpose Flour, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sugar, Pandan, Condensed Milk

Best consumed at room temperature within 2-3 days.  Refrigerate in airtight container for storage.  

GF Gluten Free, DF Dairy Free, NF Nut Free