Turtle in a Golden Brocade

Turtle in a Golden Brocade

　　    This is a delicacy from Wei Juyuan’s “Feast of the Promotion Banquet Menu.” It is meticulously crafted using a variety of fresh ingredients such as live soft-shell turtle, sheep fat, duck egg yolk, egg skin strips, winter bamboo shoots, egg white, and vegetable heart. The cooking process involves slaughtering and cleaning the turtle, then simmering it in a pot with seasonings; after preparing the egg white, it is steamed to form the lotus root base; the duck egg yolk is stir-fried and arranged on top of the lotus base, followed by placing the simmered turtle on it. The turtle is then adorned with blanched sheep netting fat and carved wheat ears and “longevity” characters. Finally, the turtle dish is steamed thoroughly in a basket until fully cooked. Its flavor is characterized by an elegant presentation and tender, rich taste. It is a high-protein dish containing essential amino acids required by the human body, as well as abundant minerals. (Xi'an)