Dinner: White steamed rice cake (Baekseolgi: 백설기)

http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/baekseolgiddeok Koreans often make baekseolgiddeok to celebrate a baby's 3 week birthday (saei rye in Korean) or any child's birthday, but it's most often traditionally prepared to celebrate a baby's 100 day birthday (baek il in Korean). The white cake represents purity and perfection and is attained by using fluffy steamed white rice flour and few other ingredients: sugar, salt, and water. The whole family gives the baby good wishes on his or her 100 day birthday. They might say: "I hope you grow up to be always healthy, pure, and happy!" This rice cake was meant to be shared with many people because it's believed that the more people who share it, the longer life the baby will have. If you've already made my mujigaeddeok (rainbow rice cake), I think making baekdeolgiddeok may be too simple for you. I added some dried fruits and sliced almonds to this rice cake to make it more tasty and colorful, but if you want to make it in the traditional Korean style, leave them out. Let me know if you make this for your lovely family members, friends, babies, your parents, or even your co-workers! Impress me and my other readers. Ingredients: 4 cups and 1 TBS rice flour (made from short grain rice) 1 ts salt ¼ cup water ¼ cup sugar dried colorful fruits and nuts if desired : raisins, golden raisins, papaya or apricot (sliced), cranberries, and almonds (sliced or chopped) Cooking utensils: Steamer, sifter, 8 inch (20 cm) cake ring Directions: Thaw out the package of frozen rice flour and put it into a large bowl. Add water and salt. Mix it all up and press out any wet lumps by rubbing the lumps gently between your palms. Repeat until all the lumps are broken and the rice flour is uniformly wet. Sift the rice flour twice, then add sugar and sift once more. Add 10 cups of water to the bottom of a steamer and bring to a boil. When the water boils, place a wet cloth or cheese cloth over the rack and put the cake ring on top. Put the sifted rice flour into the ring and flatten it out so the mixture sits level. *tip: a business card works well for this Add colorful dried fruits and nuts on top, if you want them. The traditional Korean style doesn't use them, but you can add them if you like. Cover the cake with the cloth and steam over high heat for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and open the lid. Uncover the cake and carefully lift it out using the sides of the cloth. Place it on a plate or cakeboard. Wait a few minutes for it to cool down before gently pulling the cloth out and removing the cake ring from the cake. Serve with tea, coffee, or milk. Freeze any leftover rice cake: if you freeze it when it's still fresh and fluffy, it will still be chewy and fluffy when it's thawed out. Cut the rice cake into individual servings and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Put the pieces into a plastic bag and keep that the freezer. Thaw it out at room temperature before serving, or reheat it in a steamer or microwave oven. If you can't find frozen rice flour in a Korean grocery store, you can make rice flour it at home: Rinse and drain some short grain rice a couple of times and soak overnight (10-12 hours). Drain the water and grind the rice very finely. Use it right away, or immediately store in the freezer.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cranberries, Nuts

Health benefits of White steamed rice cake (Baekseolgi: 백설기)

Researchers believe that cranberries contain substances that prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. However, store-bought cranberry juice is typically all sugar - so make sure to stick with straight cranberries.

Cranberries: The Unsung Hero in PCOS Management

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) stands as one of the predominant hormonal disorders affecting many women across the globe. Finding effective and holistic methods to manage its array of symptoms is often a journey filled with trials and experiments. Amidst the vast spectrum of dietary recommendations, a certain ruby-red fruit emerges as a potential powerhouse: the humble cranberry.

Understanding Cranberries:

Native to North America, cranberries are tiny, tart berries packed with nutrients. They are most commonly known for their ability to support urinary tract health. However, their benefits extend far beyond that, making them a valuable addition to the diet of those managing PCOS.

• 1. Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries boast a high concentration of antioxidants, especially proanthocyanidins. These compounds can combat oxidative stress, which has been linked to insulin resistance, a common concern for those with PCOS.
• 2. Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Inflammation is often silently associated with PCOS. The anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries can potentially aid in reducing systemic inflammation, indirectly supporting hormonal balance.
• 3. Supports Gut Health: A healthy gut can influence hormonal balance. The fibers and phytonutrients in cranberries promote a balanced gut microbiome, fostering good digestive health.
• 4. Low Glycemic Fruit: Dietary recommendations for PCOS often stress the importance of low glycemic index (GI) foods to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Cranberries fit the bill perfectly, allowing for a sweet treat without the blood sugar spike.

Incorporating Cranberries into Your Diet:

While cranberry juice is widely available, it's essential to opt for unsweetened versions to avoid added sugars. Fresh cranberries can be added to salads, smoothies, or baked goods. Dried cranberries, preferably unsweetened or minimally sweetened, can be a delicious addition to oatmeal, granolas, or as a simple snack.

PCOS management requires a multifaceted approach, and nutrition stands as one of its cornerstones. By integrating cranberries into a balanced diet, individuals with PCOS can harness their benefits, taking a flavorful step towards better health. As with all dietary changes, it's always a good practice to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to ensure the best choices for individual health needs.

Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

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Instructions

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