Chinese Date and Sesame Balls Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup Chinese dates (pitted)
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water

Special equipment needed:
- Steamer
- Food processor

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a food processor, pulse the Chinese dates until they form a paste.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Chinese date paste, glutinous rice flour, honey, and water. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. In a separate bowl, place the sesame seeds.
5. Roll each ball in the sesame seeds until fully coated.
6. Place the sesame-coated balls in a steamer and steam for 15-20 minutes.
7. Remove from the steamer and let cool before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
Steaming temperature: 212°F (100°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 20 balls.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 70
Total fat: 1.5g
Saturated fat: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chinese dates can be substituted with regular dates or dried figs.
- Glutinous rice flour can be substituted with regular rice flour or all-purpose flour.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Sesame seeds can be substituted with chopped nuts or shredded coconut.

Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for added flavor.
- Use different coatings such as shredded coconut or chopped nuts.
- Add a tablespoon of black sesame seeds to the dough for a contrasting color and flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Wet your hands with water before rolling the dough into balls to prevent sticking.
- Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Storage instructions:
Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the balls in a steamer for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the balls on a plate and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Garnishes:
Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Pairings:
Chinese tea or hot water.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit or a vegetable stir-fry.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it forms a dough. If the dough is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it forms a dough.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to pit the Chinese dates before using them in the recipe. Store the balls in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Food history:
Chinese date and sesame balls are a traditional Chinese dessert that is often served during the Lunar New Year.

Flavor profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and slightly chewy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the balls as a dessert or snack.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Chewy, Sticky