Translated as “sticky cake,” nian gao is a traditional Chinese New Year food. Nian, the word for sticky, is also the word for year (same pronunciation, different character) while gao, the word for cake, is also the word for high together meaning “every year, higher and higher” and symbolizes good luck.
- 5 C sweet brown rice
- 1 lb glutinous rice powder
- 1 1/2 C sugar
Soak the sweet rice overnight. Use a food processor to blend the rice with some water( use as little water as possible to blend).
Mix sugar and some hot water until sugar is dissolved, mix the rice paste, add glutinous rice powder and mix well
Line steamer with microwavable saran wrap, pour rice paste mixture into steamer. Steam 2 hours over high heat; insert chopstick to test doneness; remove and set aside until cold; tear down the cellophane and sit 2 days; cut into slices and dip in some beaten egg; pan fry them until brown. Serve them hot.