Sweet Osmanthus Cake

Ingredients

Dried osmanthus flowers

1/4 cup

Hot water

1 cup

Cold water

1/2 cup

Glutinous rice flour

2 cups

Sugar

1 cup

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons, for greasing

Instructions

1. Begin by soaking the dried osmanthus flowers in hot water for 15 minutes to release their enchanting fragrance.
2. After soaking, strain the flowers, reserving the fragrant osmanthus water. Set the soaked flowers aside for later use.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and glutinous rice flour, mixing well to ensure even distribution.
4. Gradually add the reserved osmanthus water and cold water to the flour mixture, stirring continuously until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Grease a cake pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then pour the batter into the pan, leveling the surface with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle the reserved soaked osmanthus flowers evenly on top of the batter for added visual appeal and flavor.
7. Prepare your steamer by bringing water to a boil. Place the cake pan in the steamer and cover with a lid, ensuring it fits tightly to capture the steam.
8. Steam the cake over high heat for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the water level in the steamer and refill if necessary.
9. Once cooked, carefully remove the cake from the steamer and let it cool completely in the pan before slicing into pieces and serving.