Red Dates with Warm Osmanthus Blossom Syrup
This traditional Shanghai dish celebrates the fragrance of osmanthus flowers along with the deep red, honey-sweetness of red dates (also known as jujubes).
Ingredients
- 7 ounces granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried osmanthus flowers
- 24 large red dates
- 1 3/4 ounces glutinous rice flour
Directions
- Adding 1/2 cup water and sugar to a saucepan, bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer for three minutes. Add osmanthus blossoms, stir, and set aside.
- Soak red dates in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes. Drain and cool. Then, using pointed scissors, cut dates upon along one side and carefully remove seed.
- Combine rice flour and 2 tablespoons water, mixing until it reaches a Play-Do consistency.
- Pinch off small pieces of rice paste and roll into cylinders. Place cylinders into each date and press closed.
- Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add dates, boil for 3 minutes, and drain. Serve immediately with osmanthus syrup poured over the top.