(Baonghean.vn) - With a rustic, simple name, dog head cake is an indispensable dish in holidays, New Year, and engagements of the Tho people in Western Nghe An.
 |
| Ivory leaves, also known as broom leaves, are one of the ingredients used to wrap dog head cakes. They are very rare nowadays. They often grow in forests, near streams, and mountain slopes. Many people who often make dog head cakes have to bring the plants home to grow. |
 |
| Ingredients for wrapping the cake include sticky rice, ivy leaves, and giang strings. Wash the sticky rice thoroughly, add salt, and choose ivy leaves that are beautiful, not torn, not wormy, wash thoroughly, and drain. |
 |
| The rice is washed thoroughly, a little salt is added, and then drained. Each cake is wrapped in 2 leaves, arranged in a funnel shape, and then the rice is poured in. The amount of rice added must be anticipated appropriately. If too much rice is added, the rice grains will expand and be compressed when cooked, causing the cake to crack or not cook. If too little is added, the cake will be wrinkled and lifeless. Then, use your hands to press firmly, then skillfully roll the leaves so that the tip resembles a dog's head and tie it tightly with string. |
 |
| Rolling the leaves to resemble a dog's head seems simple at first glance, but only for experienced adults who are "used to it". In the photo, the children are sitting with their mothers and grandmothers practicing wrapping the cakes, the family atmosphere is warm and cozy. |
 |
| After wrapping, the cake is put in water and cooked for about 2-3 hours, then taken out to drain. |
 |
| The colder the cake is, the more delicious and fragrant it is. On special occasions (holidays, weddings), the cake is served with meat and pickles. The cake is also used as a gift for children. |
 |
Thai people have the custom of wrapping croissant cakes as a symbol of health and prosperity, while the Tho people use dogs as a symbol of loyalty and closeness... Not just a simple dish, dog head cakes represent love, connection, and mutual support. |
Truong Hien
.jpg "Độc đáo bộ sưu tập cờ, trống trong phong trào cách mạng ở Nghệ An")
