Hongmiao Crispy Cake

Hongmiao Crispy Cake

　　Hongmiao Crispy Cake is a specialty of Xiantao, Hubei, boasting a long history. According to historical records, it originated during the Qing Dynasty. After being tasted by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, Hongmiao Crispy Cake became widely renowned for its unique flavor.

　　Features

　　The uniqueness of Hongmiao Crispy Cake lies in the high-quality water of Hongmiao. Behind the old street of Hongmiao lies a pond called “Sifang Pit,” which has crystal-clear water year-round with a pure, slightly sweet aroma. Using this water to make the crispy cakes results in a sweet, fragrant, and tender texture that has earned widespread praise.

　　Production

　　It primarily uses cooked flour, refined sugar, and sesame oil as main ingredients. A suitable amount of clean warm water mixed with sesame oil is used to blend the flour, then refined sugar mixed with a small amount of cooked flour is added as filling. The dough is hand-shaped into small round discs resembling copper coins, then baked in a pan until done.

　　Value

　　Hongmiao Crispy Cake is not only a treasured food among the Muslim communities of Xiantao, but also a delicacy for Muslims residing in Shashi, Yichang, Sichuan, Hunan, Wuhan, Shanghai, and other areas. Whenever they return...

　　The high reputation of Hongmiao Crispy Cake also stems from it having been tasted by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, as recorded in unofficial historical accounts: One year, Emperor Qianlong, accompanied by his mother and hundreds of officials, made another tour to the south. Staying at the Hangzhou imperial palace and viewing the scenery of the Six Bridges, he was so captivated by the beauty of the lake and mountains that he was reluctant to leave.

　　One day, it was suddenly reported that Chen Guogong of Haining had sent his son to welcome the emperor. Emperor Qianlong hesitated, but the empress dowager cheerfully urged him to accept the invitation. Who was this Chen Guogong? He was none other than Emperor Qianlong’s biological father. Back then, while serving in the court, he had a son, but Prince Yongzheng’s consort, Lady Niohuru, used a clever trick to have the baby secretly brought into the palace and swapped with her own daughter of the same age. Therefore, Chen Guogong’s “sending his son to welcome the emperor” was no false gesture, especially with Lady Niohuru’s approval. The Chen family hosted a grand banquet for the imperial visit, setting up over two hundred tables. The tables were laden with all kinds of delicacies, with nothing rare missing. Unfortunately, the emperor had little appetite, leaving the “father” in a dilemma. The next morning, Chen Guogong suddenly came up with an idea and served a local snack—Hongmiao Crispy Cake from Mianyang Prefecture. Before even explaining that this was a halal delicacy, Emperor Qianlong was already drawn by the aroma, charmed by its round, coin-like shape, and delighted after taking a bite. Finding it crisp, delicious, rich yet not greasy, he ate eight pieces in high spirits and highly praised, “This is a fine folk delicacy; I wish to share it with the people!”