Zongzi (a pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves)

Zongzi is a traditional Chinese food similar to tamale. It is a special treat for the Duanwu Festival or Loong Boat Festival.

Ingredients:

1 pound glutinous rice

1/2 pound red bean paste

3 ounce preserved fruit

2 ounce raisin

20 pieces dried bamboo leaves (available in Asian groceries)

Length of cotton twine or strong white thread

Directions:

1. Rinse glutinous rice and soak for 4 hours, then drain.

2. Divide preserved fruit and raisin into 10 portions.

3. Overlap two bamboo leaves lengthwise to make a sheet one-and-a-half leaves wide.

4. Fold the bamboo sheet to form a cone.

5. Add 1 tablespoon glutinous rice to the cone, then one portion preserved fruit and raisin. Top with 1 tablespoon rice.

6. Fold the edges over to cover the top of the cone. Fasten securely with twine or thread so that no contents leak out.

7. Boil the Zongzi for three hours. Drain, then arrange on a platter and serve.