Chinese new year is a festive holiday in many parts of the world. People in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Chinatowns everywhere in the US celebrate this traditional holiday. Chinese New Year is a time to honor deities as well as ancestors. Traditionally, people who celebrate Chinese New Year would wish their family, friends and neighbors a year of happiness, good health and good fortune.
Nothing represents good fortune more than a fortune cookie received at the end of every family meal. I'm celebrating good fortune, good luck and plenty of happiness this Chinese New Year with my DIY Lotus Fortune Cookie.
This is not the average fortune cookie. It's takes the shape of a lotus root which resembles a flower that represents peace and balance. The recipe is fun and easy to make with the kids. You'll be surprised how great it tastes too. It's way better than the ones at the Chinese restaurants.
Lotus Fortune Cookie (yield 30-50 cookies)
- 3 egg whites
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water
- food color (optional)
Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine egg whites and sugar. Mix on high until frothy.
2. Add vanilla and almond extract, water, flour and butter. Mix on medium high until the batter resembles pancake batter. (Add food color if you like.)
3. Pour batter in a pipping bag.
4. Heat a non-stick pan on the stove on medium low.
5. When the pan is hot, pipe the batter on the pan in a circular motion. Make one big circle 2-3 inches in diameter. Make smaller looping circles inside the big circle until it resembles a lotus flower. Do 2 to 3 flowers at a time.
6. Flip the cookie for 15 seconds and place it on parchment paper. (you must work fast because the cookie will harden)
7. Place a fortune note in the middle of the cookie. Fold it in half and press the middle against the rim of a cup to fold the cookie. See photo collage.
8. Place the fortune cookie in a muffin tin to keep its shape while cooling. Continue steps 5 to 8 until the batter is out.
Serve this unique lotus fortune cookie on Chinese New Year and share the joy and festivities.
Chan
You can find more recipes from Chan on her blog, Sweets By Chan!
Chan
You can find more recipes from Chan on her blog, Sweets By Chan!