Have you ever tasted something so sweet it makes you smile? 😊 In Guizhou Province, China, there’s a special treat called sesame cakes that does just that! During the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, families come together to make and enjoy these delicious snacks.
What Are Sesame Cakes?
Sesame cakes are crispy, sweet delights made from glutinous rice, sesame sugar, peanuts, sesame seeds, and melon seeds. They’re not your everyday cake! The process of making them is a fun adventure that takes time and teamwork.
The Magical Making Process ✨
First, villagers soak glutinous rice for two whole days! Then, they steam it and let it cool. Once dried, the rice is fried until it puffs up like tiny rice balloons. Meanwhile, sesame sugar is boiled into a sticky syrup.
Next, the puffed rice is mixed with the syrup and stir-fried. The gooey mixture is pressed into molds and cut into pieces. And voila! Sweet, crispy sesame cakes are ready to enjoy.
A Tradition That Brings People Together 🤗
In Pingzhong Village near Shimo, making sesame cakes is a big community event. Seven or eight neighbors gather, chatting and laughing as they work. This joyful activity fills the cakes with happiness and the spirit of togetherness.
“We have a custom of making sesame cakes for the Spring Festival,” says Mr. Yang, an elderly villager. “Now that I’m older, I teach others to make them, so this tradition can continue.”
The Sweet Taste of Memories 💖
For many villagers, sesame cakes are more than just a snack. They are a symbol of happy times and family memories. Even those who move away come back home to taste the sweet flavor of their childhood.
“We’ve been eating these sesame cakes since we were kids—it’s the flavor of our childhood,” says Liu Lina, a young villager. “Every year, we share them with friends and family. Their sweetness means a happy life in the year ahead.”
Why Not Try Making Your Own?
While you might not have all the ingredients at home, you can still enjoy the idea of cooking with your family. Maybe you can create your own special treat to share during your holidays!
Savoring delicious foods and spending time with loved ones is what makes traditions like the sesame cakes of Guizhou so special. They remind us that the sweetest things in life are the moments we share together. 🍰❤️
Reference(s):
Sesame cakes: A sweet tradition of Spring Festival in Guizhou
cgtn.com
