Gutian Fire Qilin

Gutian Fire Qilin

　　Gutian Fire Qilin is a dessert served at banquets. Its name is quite unique, and so is the way it’s eaten — truly a delicacy of eastern Fujian. To make it, the skin is peeled off taro, which is then boiled and mashed into taro paste. Pork lard, white sugar, and roasted black sesame seeds are added to the paste. The taro mixture is then scooped onto a round plate and piled high, forming a small hill-like mound. Finally, red dates that have been soaked in hot water are shelled, and the date flesh is placed face-down with the skin facing up, arranged neatly on top of the taro mound.

　　When this dessert is served at a banquet, it looks like a small silver-gray hill covered in blooming azaleas, steaming hot and giving off the rich aroma of roasted sesame. The host pours a small glass of baijiu (Chinese liquor) in a slow circle around the lower part of the “hill,” and the server lights the liquor with a match. Instantly, the plate transforms into a flaming mountain. Guests pick up their chopsticks and, under the flickering light of the flames, begin eating from the “summit.”

　　Those who have tried the “Fire Qilin” say this dessert tastes wonderful, with a flavor that evolves as you eat — growing more delicious with each bite. The first few bites are sweet and fragrant, soft yet not greasy. When you reach the bottom of the plate, the taro paste, roasted by the baijiu, becomes crispy and especially tasty.