Luan Ring Pancake

Luan Ring Pancake

　　Luan Ring Pancake

　　Luan Ring Pancake: A unique traditional snack from Renqiu, known for its refined preparation. First, high-quality wheat flour is kneaded into dough and allowed to partially ferment. During preparation, the dough is placed on a workbench, a small amount of alkali is added, and it is kneaded until smooth. It is then rolled out with a rolling pin into long strips about 1–2 cm thick and 18–20 cm wide. The surface is coated with oil, salt, and five-spice powder (in the past, some also added Sichuan peppercorn powder and fennel seeds). The strip is then folded in half to form a long piece about 9–10 cm wide, and cut with a knife into small rectangular pieces approximately 9–10 cm long and 5 cm wide. Two of these small rectangles are stacked, and the back of a knife is used to press down along the center in the lengthwise direction. The rectangular piece is then twisted 7–8 times in opposite directions by hand, flattened lengthwise, and finally hand-shaped into a round, basket-like form with a center thickness of 1–2 mm, edges 2–3 cm wide, a height of about 3–4 cm, and a diameter of 10–12 cm. It is then baked in a hanging oven for about 5 minutes until golden brown. When served hot, the pancake has a crispy exterior and soft interior, making it a delicious and ideal breakfast staple.

　　The fuel used for baking Luan Ring Pancakes is very particular—it must be firewood, preferably fruitwood, especially jujube wood.