Let me tell you, the first whiff of sweet glutinous rice flour mixing with earthy red bean paste is pure nostalgia. Imagine soft, chewy slices of Nian Gao sticky rice cake, golden on the outside, with a molten red bean filling that oozes warmth at every bite. The aroma floats through the kitchen, mingling with laughter and chatter—honestly, it’s the kind of smell that makes you pause and smile, knowing you’re about to experience something truly comforting. The first time I made this Nian Gao was during Lunar New Year, years ago when I was knee-high to a grasshopper and … Read more

Let me paint you a picture—the sweet, floral aroma of glutinous rice and coconut milk swirling together, mingling with the nutty scent of roasted seeds and the gentle perfume of dried fruits. That’s what fills my kitchen every time I make Creamy Eight Treasure Rice Pudding (ba bao fan), and honestly, it’s just magical. When the pudding emerges from the steamer, glistening with jewel-like toppings, it’s a showstopper. You know, the kind of dish that gets everyone’s attention before it’s even tasted. The first time I made this Eight Treasure Rice Pudding was on a chilly Lunar New Year’s Eve—my … Read more

Let me just say, the first time the sweet aroma of toasted black sesame and glutinous rice flour filled my kitchen, it felt like stepping straight into my grandma’s bustling Lunar New Year celebration. You know, that kind of scent that’s both earthy and nutty, a little mysterious, and instantly comforting. As I rolled the soft, pillowy balls between my palms and watched them plunk gently into simmering water, my heart did a little happy dance. Tangyuan isn’t just a dessert—it’s pure, nostalgic comfort wrapped up in every chewy bite. I was knee-high to a grasshopper when my aunt first … Read more