Dingcheng New Year Cakes

Dingcheng New Year Cakes

　　Dingcheng New Year Cakes

　　These are a seasonal snack made by locals in Dingcheng District, Changde City, known as "New Year Cakes." Eating these cakes is especially popular in the Dongting Lake area. Every year around the Winter Solstice and during the New Year, families in Dingcheng make these cakes. There are two types: one is made from a mix of glutinous rice and sticky rice in a ratio of either 70-30 or 60-40. The grains are ground into flour, steamed, and pressed into shapes resembling mooncakes, with patterns imprinted on them—these are called "Flower Cakes." The other type is made entirely from glutinous rice, resulting in a very soft and tender cake known as "Ciba." They are eaten in various ways: some are pan-fried with sugar, deep-fried, or cooked in sweet wine. Different seasonings can be added, giving them unique flavors that are enjoyable time and again.