Crispy Flaky Pancake

Crispy Flaky Pancake

　　The crispy flaky pancake is made by placing refined flour in a basin, adding water and baking powder, and mixing into a dough. After resting slightly, the dough is kneaded thoroughly on a board and rolled into a sheet. Coarse salt (or sugar) is sprinkled on top, followed by a layer of rendered lard, then the sheet is rolled back into a long log shape. It is then divided into portions, rolled into round discs. A flat-bottomed pan is brushed with vegetable oil and placed over hot charcoal. When the oil begins to smoke, the round disc is placed in the pan and covered with another flat-bottomed pan lid that also sits over burning charcoal. The pancake is cooked evenly from both sides by the heat of the charcoal. When it is about 60% cooked, the lid is removed, the pancake is flipped once, and the lid is placed back on until the pancake is fully cooked and ready to eat. The finished product features a golden color, and a taste that is fragrant, flaky, fluffy, sweet (or savory), rich yet not greasy, enjoyable either hot or cold, and convenient to carry.