Steamed Longan Red Date Cake

Heard of red date and dried longan tea? Yes, it is typically a Chinese drink made for the mommy during her confinement month. In fact , she cannot drink any plain water (believed to cause 'wind') except hot red date longan tea and of course, plenty of hot soup. (Although some modern women does not follow these 'rules') 
Red date or hongzao(红枣) in Chinese, nourishes the stomach, spleen and blood. Longan (龙眼 or  桂圆) is considered as a blood tonic, to nurture the heart and to improve skin condition. However, longan being a heaty fruit is best consume in moderation.

How about Longan Red Date cake? I have not heard of this before until I browse it through a recipe book. "Cake in Steam". I think probably it will be good to eat during confinement too? 

Cake in Steam 蒸糕招 by Liu Fenglan 刘凤澜.

Steamed Longan Red Date Cake

Recipe adapted from Cake in Steam 蒸糕招 by Liu Fenglan 刘凤澜.!

Ingredients: (makes 4)

• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup caster sugar (could be reduced)
• 7/8 cup all purpose flour
• a pinch of salt 
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp vinegar
• dried longan ( 4-5 pieces) (according to your preference)
• Red dates (4-5 pieces)  (according to your preference)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Procedure:-

1. Soak the longans and dates.
2. Beat sugar and egg until light and fluffy.
3. Sieve the flour, salt and baking soda in a big bowl. I mixed by using a fork which I find it easier.
4. Coarsely chop the dried longans and red dates. Mix them together with the flour. Reserve some for topping.
5. Add in vinegar and olive oil to the egg and sugar mixture and mixed them together
6. Add flour mixture into the egg mixture. Stir well.
7. Pour the batter into cupcake liners and sprinkle some chopped dates and longans on top.
8. Placed in preheat steamer and steam over medium heat for about 20 minutes.
9. Test the cake with a skewer to see if it is done.

The smell from the steaming reminds me of egg tarts! I couldn't wait for the cake to be ready! And it has not disappoint me. I hope you too like the recipe.