:: Winter Solstice 冬至 ~ Tang Yuen ::

For Chinese tradition, everytime when it's Mid Winter, roughly around December, they will celebrate Winter Solstice. It's a time whereby all the family get together again, and make the Tang Yuen together. It's symbolized family unity. My family are everywhere of the world. So it's quite difficult for them to come back for this season. Well, I managed to make some, to have it with my mum. :)

Overview of Tang Yuen Making

Normally, we don't like it just plain white for our Tang Yuen (Glutinous Rice Ball). But we don't like it for just artificial colouring. So, I did a few colours with natural colour.

As you can see from the picture, I have 5 colours include white. There are Purple, Pink, Orange, White & Blue. Purple colour is from Purple Sweet Potato, Pink is from ripe Mulberry, Blue is from Blue Flower (蓝花), Orange is from Sweet Potato and White is from the flour itself. :)

It's all about your determination. If you would want it colourful, and want it healthy, just spend a little more time to make it natural colours with beautiful effect.
Here is some other suggestions of colours from natural.

Yellow - Japanese Sweet Potato
Red - Beet Root/ Red Dragon Fruit
Green - Pandan Leaves
Grey - Yam
Black - Black Sesame Seeds
Olive Green - Green Tea/ Matcha

See, there are wonderful colours from the natural. You don't need the colourings from the market. Just spend a little time extra to have it. :D

Enjoy. Happy Winter Solstice!

My Colourful Tang Yuen