Nian Gao

[Ingredients]

• 600g sugar

• 600ml hot water

• 600g glutinous rice flour (sifted)

• 40 pieces banana leaves (cut into circles of diameter 12cm)

[Steps]

1. Dissolve 300g of sugar in a dry pot over low heat till it caramelizes (do not stir). Add 300ml of hot water and mix well.

2. Add the remaining sugar into the mixture, stir constantly till the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.

3. Combine the glutinuous rice flour and the remaining water. Add caramel and cook over a pan of simmering water till it thickens into batter.

4. Fold and staple banana leaves into small cups.

5. Pour batter into cups till half full. (do not fill to the rim as the batter might overflow when steaming).

6. Place cups on a steaming plate and transfer into steamer when the water has boiled. Steam over high heat for 20mins. Then reduce to medium heat and steam for another 20mins. Increase time for steaming if making bigger cakes.

TIP: start steaming over high heat then lower to medium heat. this prevents the batter from spilling over and also gives the cake a better texture.

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