"A family that sticks together stays together!"

"Nian Gao" or Chinese New Year's Cake is a type of food prepared from glutinous rice and though it can be eaten all year round, it is traditionally most popular during Chinese New Year. It is considered good luck to eat Nian Gao during this time because Nian Gao can also mean "climbing higher and higher every year", symbolising an increment in income, jobs or growth among their children.

It is easy to purchase ready made Nian Gao, but there are some family who still prefer to make their own, though making it might not be that difficult but it is very time consuming especially when come to the steaming part. Based on my knowledge, there are three methods to prepare & consume this delicacy:

1. Cut it into thin pieces, dip it in beaten egg, pan fry with a little oil (as per picture below)
   
2. Mix flour, egg & water into a batter (not too thick), coat the thin pieces of nian gao, then fry with oil
3. Combine cut nian gao pieces alternately with pieces of yam & sweet potato (with nian gao in the middle), coat it with the batter mixture as 2 above & deep fry it in oil

Unexpectedly, as I flip through the pages of 'food & travel kitchen culture' magazine, I found this new method of preparing & eating it. As it is still the CNY season, let me share the recipe including its tips with all Chinese families who are celebrating this auspicious festival. It comes with a colourful picture as well........

To see the tip on the picture above, click on it to get a larger image

Steamed Nian Gao with freshly grated coconut

1 large Nian Gao
Steamer for steaming
1 large coconut, skinned and freshly grated
1/2 tsp salt
Several pairs of chopsticks

Methods:

1. Place the Nian Gao into a steamer and steam until it turns gooey.
2. In the meantime, mix freshly grated coconut with salt on a large plate. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
3. Remove Nian Gao from steamer.
4. Give each family member one chopstick. Stick it into the Nian Gao and then twirl the chopstick until some of the Nian Gao sticks to the chopstick.
5. Dip the Nian Gao into the plate of grated coconut.

On New Year's Day, gather family members around the steamed Nian Gao. Give each person one side of the chopstick. Stick it into the Nian Gao, twirl the chopstick to pick up some of the sticky dough and coat it with coconut.
"A family that sticks together stays together!"