The Spring Festival is approaching and in every Chinese home preparations for the famous 八宝饭, ba bao fan, "cake of the eight treasures" (or chinese rice pudding) are starting. The history of this cake are very old, some transcripts dating back to 1600 BC bring us about the history and ingredients of this cake. Traditionally it is believed that this dessert was invented to commemorate eight brave warriors who won a battle against the despotic tyrant of the Zhou kingdom.
Why the number "eight"? Obviously the truth sanks in Chinese folk beliefs. As you all know the number "eight" is one of the lucky numbers for Chinese people since it means wealth and prosperity, which is why, in the very first recipes of this cake, eight ingredients of the Chinese medicine were used in order to bring prosperity and good health to the family. Even today there are families that follow this ancient tradition and the "eight treasures".
Follow me as I will reveal day after day these "eight delicious treasures".