Ube, Taro, & Everything Purple

One of my all time favorite is the varieties of purple yams, taro, dasheen, etc. All can usually be found in an asian grocery store. These are sweet, usually purple, roots that have a nice creamy and light flavor. They range in all sizes, different starchy consistency, and finally different shades of purple. I just wanted to make a simple, not so pamcakedesign looking, bundt cake incoporating these natural flavors & vibrant colors.

A luscious cake batter indulged in the rich texture of the yam with a light creamy taro whipped-cream filling, and a sweet white chocolate ube coat. And perhaps the perfect TWIST to a thanksgiving traditional desserts - still with the warm cuddly feeling of eating some yam-inspired delightful sweetness. yummmm

mini bon appetit

mini Bon Appetit!

(Asian Steamed Rice Cakes - 發糕)

These wonderful mini rice cakes are a must in chinese birthdays and new year celebrations. They are often colored in many bright and vibrant shades to signify prosperity & celebration. These were individually wrapped into party favors with colorful ribbons. While everyone enjoying these mini treats can feel a little less guilty than the alternative flour & butter-filled cupcakes. Bon Appetit!

When you bite into these you'll find a light fluffy texture almost like a angel food cake. Typically these are not super sweet, but flavored just right to suit the light asian palate. I love these fun colors: A closer look at the cute lilac and baby-blue party favors.

In the end, you know the rice cake is a Success!...when they 'smile' like these (meaning when the rice cakes crack open on top during the steaming process). The chinese translation is literally 'raised/leavened cake' or more commonly known as Prosperity Cake: pronounced 'Fa Gao'.