Rice Flour Cakes with Mint & Arhat Cakes

Rice Flour Cakes with Mint & Arhat Cakes

　　From north to south, pastries are a specialty of Chinese dim sum. When it comes to Shanghai’s cakes, you could count on your fingers and toes and still not cover them all. But among the favorites of locals are Rice Flour Cakes with Mint and Arhat Cakes, along with items like Double-Stuffed Glutinous Rice Balls. Mint cakes are made with glutinous rice flour mixed with a touch of mint powder, decorated with red and green silk threads. Arhat Cakes are made by kneading glutinous rice flour (not just coating it, but blending it) with sweetened bean paste into long strips, which taste even better when fried.

　　 Culinary Tips: Mint cakes are sweet and refreshing, making them a great summer treat that helps cool the body. Arhat Cakes are soft and dense, with just the right level of sweetness.