Chinese New Year is tomorrow. In Chinese tradition, at least from what I know, tonight is the dinner for the end of the year. All family members should get together and enjoy a meal. In this meal, we should always end with the perfect sweet treat, which is the glutinous rice ball. The round shape of the glutinous rice balls symbolize the family togetherness.
Glutinous rice balls are made with glutinous rice flour. They are boiled in a sweet light syrup which is usually made with water, rock sugar/brown sugar pieces, and a few ginger pieces. The syrup is sweet and warm. The hint of ginger flavor is infused into the light syrup. The glutinous rice balls are like dumplings. They are stuffed with filling and roll into a ball shape. The filling can be sesame paste, red bean paste, peanut paste and rock sugar. After the glutinous rice balls are cooked, the bouncy and chewy skin texture is amazing. And, the hot filling oozed out the skin and spoon. It is so delicious! My personal favorite is sesame paste. It is nutty and sweet.