Chinese Steamed Cake Ma Lai Gao 古法馬拉糕

Dim Sum Series, part 4:

This steamed cake is called ma lai gao. I have tried a few recipes using different ways to leaven the cake batter: beating whole eggs (physical), using yeast (biological) and/or baking soda/powder (chemical). None of the above gave me a satisfactory result.

The average maximum heat a household steamer can generate is about 212F/100C. This temperature is so much lower than the usual 350F/180C oven temperature used in baking a cake. It means that the way the cake batter is prepared is a crucial factor in determining whether it is a dense or soft cake.

I kept telling myself that there must be a way to make a fluffy and moist steamed cake. So, as a last resort, I went back to the traditional method: using an aged (prefermented) dough. This is a combination of biological and chemical methods. By making an aged dough (similar to a levain in making a sourdough bread), natural yeast and bacteria are cultivated. Later on, baking soda is added to balance the pH level. Leavening is provided by the yeast and baking powder. Although egg beating is not required in this recipe, some patience and time is required :).... However, you will be rewarded with a steamed melt-in-your-mouth cake that was achieved without the addition of lard (commonly used in restaurants).

For an updated recipe, click here

Matcha Pastry 旋風綠茶酥

Dim Sum Series, part 3:

Matcha is just another name for green tea, right? This is what I always thought, until I recently attended a food show in Northern California. The Fancy Food Show is an international food show offered twice a year: San Francisco hosts during winter while New York City hosts the summer show. With over a thousand exhibits from all over the world, it is an exciting time for all those related to food industry, whether you are a retailer or wholesaler, or somewhere in between. New trends, products and tastes are often introduced during the show.

Dual Color Dumplings 雙色蒸餃

This is the second post on the dim sum series. Click here for the other post.

These little dumplings are also known as pomegranate dumplings because their shapes are like little pomegranate. I love the transparent wrapper with crisp green color which is made from the juice of spinach, all natural. 

2014 Library Demonstrations Line Up 新一年度烘焙示範陣容

2013 has been a very busy and fruitful year for me. From the surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities to more distant beach communities, I have made new friends and met enthusiastic library patrons through 17 different baking demonstration programs. Through the coordination of many different librarians, I was able to share my passion in baking and Chinese heritage with a diverse population. They were made possible through county funding and non-profit organizations and were successful because of your participation!

In addition to the current programs (pineapple bun, snowy mooncake, wife cake and egg tart), this year I have added two new items to the library cooking demonstration programs in Los Angeles county public library: homemade char siu/BBQ Pork and Chinese Pineapple Cake/Pastry.

Below is a list of upcoming programs. It will be updated frequently. If you are in the area, come join me. For more information, click on the library closest to you.

Steamed Char Siu Bao 蠔皇叉燒包

Happy New Year to all my blog readers!

As this blog approaches its fourth year, I would like to start a new series. This is the first post on the dim sum series, with more to follow. Stay tuned.

Every time I go to a dim sum restaurant, char siu bao (BBQ pork bun) is one of my must-have dishes. Inside the white, fluffy, and sweet bao is char siu with oyster sauce. It is so easy to gobble one down in less than a minute. Believe it or not, I have been trying to make a decent char siu bao on and off for more than three years.

Quail Egg Croquettes 鵪鶉蛋薯蓉球

What is a croquette? If you search it up online, you would get "a small cake or ball of minced meat, poultry, or fish or of rice, potato, often coated with beaten egg and bread crumbs and fried in deep fat." (dictionary.com)

Its French root "croquer" means "to crunch". But since its French birth, there have been many many varieties from many many countries trying to give it a new twist. In this version, I attempted to bake it for a healthier version in comparison to deep frying it. My food critics at home gave them thumbs up. This is a great party and finger food.

See which version you like!

Herb, Garlic and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread using Tong Zhong 香草蒜味湯種麵包

Just by looking at the name of this bread, you can imagine how fragrant your kitchen will be while it is in the oven. This savory version of monkey bread is great to accompany a Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner!

光是看到這麵包的名字你便可以想像到它所散發出的香味是多麼的吸引，這款咸味麵包肯定在聖誕大餐桌上大受歡迎 !

Tuna Strudels 香脆吞那魚卷

What comes to your mind when you think of an appetizer ? Savory, finger food, easy to prepare, may be crunchy, etc? This appetizer fits all of the above. I use honey mustard as a sauce to make it really appetizing. All the ingredients are store bought, which made it exceptionally easy to make. Not counting the time the fillo sheets need to defrost, it only takes 30-45 minutes from start to finish. A great party or potluck choice !

Getting Ready for the Holidays--New Classes 又有新班啦

It's that time of the year again. Holiday parties, family reunions, office potlucks, gifts giving...etc. Are you ready ?

Instead of getting ready-made or store-bought foods, why don't you prepare something from you own kitchen, or better yet, something from your heart. I guarantee that it will be much appreciated.

Macarons:

Date: Dec 7 Saturday from 1 to 3pm

Location: Diamond Bar, California

This is a hands-on class and I will show you step by step how to make this delicious and crowd pleasing cookies. No experience required.

Taiwanese Pineapple Cake 鳳梨酥--a brand new class

Date: January 8 Wednesday 10am-12pm

Location: Diamond Bar, California

Each class is limited between 3-8. To reserve your space, send email to: phoebechow@morethanbread.net

Wheel-Shaped Bread 車輪包

A recent trip to Hong Kong has brought back many memories....the place where I was born and raised has changed tremendously since my last visit there many many years ago.  The most noted change is the overwhelming dominance of jewelry, drug and cosmetic stores on major roads throughout the tiny city. It is reported that there are more than 37 jewelry stores in one segment on Nathan Road. It certainly reflects what drives the economy of Hong Kong.

Amid all these changes, I managed to find some familiar places in the neighborhood where I grew up--the old apartment and the kindergarten where I spent my childhood.