This traditional Chinese snack, known as Red Date ‘Mirror Cake’ or ‘Zeng Cake’, harmoniously blends red dates, red beans, and glutinous rice into a delightful treat available year-round, served either hot or cold. Its chewy texture from glutinous rice complemented by the natural sweetness of red beans and dates ensures a mood-lifting experience throughout the day.
Ingredients and Preparation: – Glutinous rice: Soak 1.5 small bowls in cold water for 8-24 hours – Red beans: Soak 0.5-1 bowl for 5-8 hours (optional) – Red dates: Soak 2 bowls for 1 hour, then pit and chop Yield: 1 large bowl serving 6-7 people Layering Instructions: 1. Base layer: Mixed red dates and beans 2. Second layer: Glutinous rice 3. Third layer: Mixed red dates and beans 4. Fourth layer: Glutinous rice 5. Top layer: Mixed red dates and beans Note: Maintain date-bean mixture as first and final layers for optimal flavor fusion Cooking Process: – Steam over boiling water for 20 minutes – Sprinkle cold water on top layer and steam 10 minutes – Repeat sprinkling and steaming cycle 4-5 times – Complete when ingredients fully integrate Storage Notes: Refrigerate leftovers with plastic wrap. Reheat before serving. Natural sweetness makes added sugar unnecessary.